A Fine Dessert: Perfect Picture Book Friday

I know. I haven't been here in a while. But I've been busy. And this book has been sitting beside my laptop for WEEKS, waiting for me to have time to write up a PPBF post for it. And today is that day! And so, I present to you another fabulous book to add to Susanna Leonard Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday list.

Title: A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat

Author: Emily Jenkins

Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Publisher:Schwartz & Wade, 2015, fiction

Age Range: 4-8 years

Theme/Topics: cooking, family life, history,

First Page:A bit more than three hundred years ago, in an English town called Lyme, a girl and her mother picked wild blackberries. Their hands turned purple with the juice. The thorns of the berry bushes pricked the fabric of their long skirts.

Synopsis (from Amazon): In this fascinating picture book, four families, in four different cities, over four centuries, make the same delicious dessert: blackberry fool. This richly detailed book ingeniously shows how food, technology, and even families have changed throughout American history.

In 1710, a girl and her mother in Lyme, England, prepare a blackberry fool, picking wild blackberries and beating cream from their cow with a bundle of twigs. The same dessert is prepared by a slave girl and her mother in 1810 in Charleston, South Carolina; by a mother and daughter in 1910 in Boston; and finally by a boy and his father in present-day San Diego.

Kids and parents alike will delight in discovering the differences in daily life over the course of four centuries.

Resources: There are fabulous notes in the back from both the author and illustrator about their research that can be used. Talk about all the different changes that are shown from one century to the next - in technology, food, etc. AND of course, there is a recipe for blackberry fool in the book too - make some!!

Why I LOVE it: This is a FABULOUS look into our history - both visually and through the words. The four families are so different, and that is shown in the wording and illustrations - but they also have much in common. The repetition is beautifully done. The whole BOOK is. Definitely a keeper (and I WILL try the recipe myself - maybe over Spring Break, which starts today here!). And if you pick it up, be sure to check the illustrator note out to find out how she created the endpapers. (Not saying any more!)

Hope you'll give this book a look - and check out the OTHER perfect picture books for today at Susanna's blog - and Susanna's ever-growing list of wonderful picture books. 


My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

God Gave Us You: Perfect PIcture Book Friday

Just under two years old

Today, my oldest turns 14. In September, he starts high school. And really, neither of these facts has really sunk in yet. I am having a TOUGH time getting my mind around these facts.

And because of this, I though I would share one of my very, very

September 2014

favorite picture books with you today - one that my mother-in-law got me for a baby shower gift when my oldest was born, and that I often give to other new mothers as a shower gift.

And not just because I'm sentimental (but that IS probably 98% of the reason, if I'm honest) - but because I think this is a lovely book to add to Susanna Leonard Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday.

Title: God Gave Us You

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant

Publisher: WaterBrook Press, 2000, fiction

Age Range: 3-7

Theme/Topics:babies, mothers, God, love

First Page: "Good night, sweet child," Mama said as she tucked Little Cub in.

But Little Cub wasn't quite ready to go to sleep.

"Mama, where did I come from?" she asked.

Synopsis: When a charming polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her Mama a very important question--one that little "human cubs" often wonder about, too: "Where did I come from?"

As Mama bear tucks her youngest cub under the quilts, she gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicates the message loving parents everywhere (bears and non-bears alike) want their little ones to hear: "We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because—God gave us you."

Resources: This probably isn't a book for the classroom proper, but here are some "Sunday-school type" lessons you can use. God made families part 1 and 2. (Maybe this ISN'T a perfect fit for PPBF, but sorry - I'm sharing it anyway. Mama's prerogative!)

Why I LOVE it: Besides the reasons I listed above? Because it is so incredibly sweet. Because it STILL makes me choke up when I read it. Because it is the perfect bedtime story. Because, in this world where folks do NOT necessarily value children, it does. Because the illustrations are lovely. Because the language is beautiful. JUST BECAUSE!

(Just a note - this book is specifically about mothers who give birth to their children - as opposed to adoption, or any other way families come together)

Hope you'll not mind my sappy, sentimental pick this week and give this book a look - and check out the OTHER perfect picture books for today at Susanna's blog - and Susanna's ever-growing list of wonderful picture books. 

Oh - and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDREW!
 
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

Brainstorming Fun

This post is party of Patty Wysong's

A to Z meme. This week's letter is "B"

 You know, I think most writers would agree that brainstorming for ideas and such is a lot of fun, no matter what you are writing.

But I've got a secret for you. Some brainstorming is more fun than others.

Sure, figuring out where to set your romance can lead you on interesting trails all over the earth (maybe even the universe, if you write that kind of thing). Figuring out what kind of disaster can befall your MC or villain can really get those synapses going.

But brainstorming for children's books? You can go all out crazy-looney-bonkers: and USE the ideas!

I'm polishing a picture book right now about an elephant who is trying to join a band - and tries to play a harmonica. I'd like to see you "adult" writers try to fit that little tidbit into your storyline. There is a new book out (by a debut picture book author!) called One Big Pair of Underwear. Ideas literally CAN come from anywhere - including the laundry basket.

Check out the site - join the fun!

And my favorite time to brainstorm? When I've got friends joining me. In just a couple weeks, I will be participating in my second year of the wonderful Tara Lazar's November challenge PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) - which encourages/ challenges folks to come up with 30 different picture book ideas during the 30 days of November (I managed 47 last year). There are guest posts, prizes, a Facebook group, and more more MORE! And this year, as an added bonus, my daughter will be joining me - so I'll have a live brainstorming partner, along with hundreds of virtual ones.

This is my brain

This is my brain on PiBoIdMo

Totally looking forward to gearing up for my month-long brainstorming session. Anyone wanna join me? PrePiBo starts Saturday the 25th.

Got any fun brainstorming stories?

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
Check out more  "B" posts here - and add your own if you wish! 

 

Beach Time!

Even though Michigan is surrounded by natural lakes, they are not the only option. My kids and I took a late-summer trip to a manmade lake - right in the city of Grand Rapids.

I'm over at the Midwest blog Barn Door today, sharing a bit about our time at this fun location we tried for the first, but most definitely not the last, time. I hope you will stop by and see more about our Day at Millennium Park Beach.



My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

Chalk and Slinkies

Are you wondering how these two things above are related?

Actually, they aren't - other than the fact that they are the subject of a couple posts I wrote, both of which are live today.

The chalk post? That one is at the Midwest group blog The Barn Door, where I talk a bit about our favorite local festival - and my lovely daughter's participation in it this year. Hope you'll stop by and read about (and see pictures of) Chalk Art - In the Family.

 

And then there's the slinky. My post on THAT one is at Internet Cafe Devotions, where I share how one of those wonderful toys got All Tangled Up. Enjoy!

And stop back tomorrow - I'll have ANOTHER post to share :)


My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

Joanne Exercises: Film at 11

Yeah - it's that rare. At least it WAS.

But for the sake of my daughter, I actually got my heart rate up a few weeks ago here in old Grand Rapids - as a running buddy for the nationwide program called Girls on the Run.

 

Stop by the Barn Door today and see how it went - and how things have changed for this out-of-shape lady. Run, Run, Run!

 
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

A Month to Go!

Four weeks from today is my kids' last day of school for the school year - and are they ever excited (and anxious - more the latter than the former, I think). We will be taking advantage of quite a few activities and attractions in our area over the summer months.

I'm over at the Midwest blog The Barn Door today, talking about some of them. Hope you will stop by to see what is coming soon for the Sher family!

 
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

Xmas With the Shers

This post is part of Patty Wysong's 

 A to Z meme. This week's letter is "X."

Guessing I won't be the only person to use this particular word for this particular letter :) (And just in case you're curious - the abbreviation is NOT a way to take Christ out of Christmas - see this explanation of its origins)

Our Christmas season starts the weekend after Thanksgiving, when we put up the tree (I, naturally, forgot to take pictures of most of the process, but do have one). We've had the same artificial tree since the hubby and I got saved in '99 (though we MAY have not gotten it until 2000. Not positive!).

My son helped put it up :)

I also display a couple nativity sets, a Christmas clock (plays a different Christmas tune every hour on the hour), Christmas placemats, and probably a couple other small things I've forgotten about (and, of course, neglected to take pictures of).

Our actual celebration begins on Christmas eve, when we go to my husband's brother's family's home about an hour and a half away by car and celebrate with his side of the family. Always lots of fun and fellowship with them. We then hop to Marc's folks' home and spend the night.

The few pix I took came out bad. This one is the best of them.

We head home Christmas day and have our own family Christmas when we get home. This year was especially fun, because we got my daughter a fun, unexpected, and VERY MUCH DESIRED gift. My son liked his stuff too :) (But he's nearly a teenager - you know how THAT is, right? ;))

But first - MY parents bought both of the kids laptops. Were they EVER excited! Up until now, they had been sharing one pretty-low-end machine. Now they each have nice shiny new ones! They love 'em- thanks Grandma and Grandpa Weiner!

They LOVE their computers!

Okay - back to my daughter. For almost a year now, she has had an interest in unicycles.  She had never ridden one, but kept asking about them. We never really gave her any encouragement one way or another (and we even let her birthday slip by - four weeks exactly before Christmas - without getting her one, or even mentioning it). But for Christmas, we gave her QUITE the surprise - and was she ever happy!

Love that look of pure delight on her face!

She immediately started playing and trying it out, and was clearly having a blast as she did. She was hardly off it the rest of the day (in fact, scroll up and check out the picture of both my kids on their computers. How do you like her chair??).

I have no doubt she'll be an expert in no time (and even if she isn't, she will have LOTS of fun with it!).

Overall, it was a wonderful Christmas. (And, just FYI, we took down all the decorations on Monday, December 30 - we generally do it around that time)

How Was Your Christmas?

 
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
Read more X posts below, or add your own! 

 

A Wepeat for "W"

This post is part of Patty Wysong's 

 A to Z meme. This week's letter is "V."

One of the very best days of my life was my WEDDING. Not only did I become the WIFE of a WONDERFUL, fun, giving, and special man, but I got a new name.

That name? SHER. In case you're curious, it's pronounced like "sure" - as in "Sure, WHY not?" Some people think it's funny for just that reason. I suppose it WOULDN'T be too hard for folks to find a WAY to make fun of it.

WHEN I'm asked to spell my last name, nine times out of ten, I get to the end and folks are WAITING for "the rest" of it. You know: Sherman? Sherwood?


But, do you know WHAT? I WON'T ever complain about it. WHY? Because the last name I traded in on May 29, 1994 was, in a word, WORSE. Much WORSE.

You think "Raise Your Hand if You're Sure" is embarrassing? Try having kids sing a certain commercial jingle to you as you WALK by. Try having your surname be an..um..unmentionable part of the male anatomy.


Try teaching - middle schoolers  - WITH this WINNER of a last name. (Yeah, I feel sorry for my brother, his wife, AND his precious children. But they're more self-confident than I am anyway.)

Of course, I could always have folks pronounce it another WAY. It DOES allow for another "sounding out." But even that implies I'm an annoying complainer.

Thankfully, it's no longer an issue WITH me. It's in my history. I WON'T be using my maiden name unless I need to (it WILL certainly NOT be my pennname). Sher sure is fine with me.

WELL - are you WISE enough to figure out WHAT my last name WAS? If not, keep WONDERING: and check out my graphic "hints." And if you don't care? WHATEVA!
**

I wrote this post for a previous round of A to Z a bit more than two years ago. Since it's a holiday week, I thought I'd redo it - for those who have never read it (cuz it's a favorite post of mine) and to lighten my own load.

HOW LONG 'TIL YOU FIGURED IT OUT?

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
Read more W posts below, or add your own!

  

Vacation

This post is part of Patty Wysong's 

 A to Z meme. This week's letter is "V."

 
My kids (my daughter especially) have been looking forward to today (actually, this afternoon to be more specific) for quite a while. You see, once school gets out for the day this afternoon, school is out for winter break: or, as I remember from my childhood, Christmas Vacation.

Time to sleep in. To have big breakfasts with plenty of time to eat them. To, if you choose, do nothing at all. And sometimes to pack up the car and have a vacation.

We have no plans to take a "real vacation" over the two weeks of Christmas break - though Christmas eve will be spent at my husband's brother and their family's an hour and a half drive away. But just because we aren't taking a trip over the next couple weeks doesn't mean we haven't in the past.

So, for "V," I thought I'd share a few pictures from previous vacations, with a brief bit of info about each trip. Hope you enjoy it!

We went to Sleeping Bear Dunes this past summer. This is is my hubby and kids, digging in the dunes. Was lots of fun!

We visited Oregon to spend time with my side of the family this summer as well. Here are my kids with their cousin at Crater Lake. Beautiful!

During the summer of 2012, we took a very fun trip to Cincinatti. We went to King's Island, the Underground Railroad Museum, and the Creaation Mueum. This is an exhibit at the latter. Great stuff!

And now a travel back in time - a few years before, with a trip to Muskegon. They had tons of fun on the beach!

And even FARTHER back - a trip (we think!) to a little place called Deer Park not terribly far from Flint. Annika is approaching two in this pic, and Andrew's about 4 1/2.

Yes, it appears we take most of our vacations in the summer. But that's okay :)

Are You Vacationing Over Christmas Break?

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
Read more V posts below, or add one of your own! 

 

Double Digits

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people. 1 Samuel 2:26

Three months old

In two days, my baby girl will be reaching a milestone. I'm not sure I'm ready for it. She, however, has no qualms of any sort.

The signs, of course, have been there for weeks, if not months. Maybe even years. The attitude. The independence. Her maturing sense of humor. The changing of her tastes. Her clothes shrinking (or something like that!). But I wasn't ready to admit it.

But now I'm doing it in public. My daughter will be entering "double digits" on Wednesday. Yup. TEN YEARS OLD.

It's amazing the changes I've seen in her - even in the past year. She's maturing. Learning from her

Two - already has style!

mistakes. Testing the waters. Developing her own style - opinions - way of doing things. Turning more and more into the woman God wants her to be.

And I couldn't be more proud. She is, just like the young prophet-to-be Samuel, "continu(ing) to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people."

But growth is not supposed to stop once you add that second digit to your age. Most of us stop growing taller in our teens or twenties, for instance (my daughter's got a bit of time for that one) - but our knowledge can continue until we take our last breath.

Now (2 months ago)

How about spiritually? As far as I understand it, that can NEVER stop - even after we go from this world to our eternal home in heaven. By listening to the Holy Spirit, staying in the Word, and practicing other spiritual disciplines, our relationship with the Father will deepen, and we will grow more and more like Him - no matter how long ago our age went from one digit to two (or how soon it might make it to three!).

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Well, don't believe them. No matter your age, the Lord will help you grow more and more like His Son.

Heavenly Father, help us to continue to grow in Your favor, no matter how old we might get. Each day, we want to be more like Your Son. Draw us closer, and help us become the men and women You want us to be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
**

We're discussing this here, and at Living by Grace on Facebook. Won't you join us?

How have you grown in the past month? Year? Decade?

Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

Our Family Reading List

This post is part of Patty Wysong's 

 A to Z meme. This week's letter is "R."

I love to read. Pretty much always have, and almost positive I always will. And in the Sher household, that's pretty much the norm (though not COMPLETELY). Both my husband and daughter love reading - maybe as much as I do. My son? Not so much - but he still does it (mostly because it's required for school - but at least he DOES it! And maybe he'll find some books that really grab his interest, and that will change. Maybe).

And here we are!

So I thought, because this week's letter is "R," I'd share a bit about what my family is currently reading.

I'll start with my lovely daughter (who turns 10 this coming Wednesday, by the way. WHERE did the time go!??). At bedtime, we are reading The War of The Ember, which is the fifteenth and final book in the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky. This is my second time through the series (read it with my son a few years ago - though I must admit that my daughter read the majority of these herself, without my help), and there's some fine storytelling in there.

She is also reading two books on her own: a novelization of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (she read the first two in the series already), and Newberry Honor book Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm. She's enjoying them both very much.

My handsome son (who is three months shy of being a teenager!) has developed a liking for a book series that his father read when he was younger called Alfred Hichcock and the Three Investigators (in fact, the books are the ones my husband read himself when he was Andrew's age). His required reading for school (he needs to read two hours a week outside of class) is the fourth book in this series - The Mystery of the Green Ghost. At bed (yes, I still read to him - though he reads to me too on occasion), we are working on the third book - The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy. Delightful and interesting stories - and if he's enjoying them, I'm all for it!

And then there's my loving, wonderful husband. He's been reading Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (that's a staple for him - guess he has always liked mysteries!) on his Kindle, as well as Idiots at Work - Chronicles of Workplace Stupidity (humor is another big one for him!) and The 17-Day Diet (which I finished reading myself not too long ago).

And we can't forget yours truly. :) In addition to the December issue of The Writer (to be followed quickly thereafter with January's issue of Writer's Digest), I'm reading Shelly Beach's Ambushed by Grace (lovely and helpful book on caregiving) and Randy and Nanci Alcorn's Help for Women Under Stress (for a FRIEND. Stress? Me? Nah ;)). NEXT on my list will definitely be fiction - probably something historical that screams at me from my Kindle Fire.

So, what's on YOUR reading list?

 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths
Check out more "r" posts below, and/or share your own!