Recently Read: The Demigod Files

The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan

This book contains three short stories about Percy Jackson, as well as some other trivia information about characters in the series. If you've read the other books in this series than this will be an enjoyable quick read.

Caldecott Books in July and August

Here are the Caldecott Medal Winner books the Ant Bug and I read during the months of July and August.

1960: Nine Days to Christmas, illustrated by Marie Hall Ets; text: Marie Hall Ets and Aurora Labastida
1961: Baboushka and the Three Kings, illustrated by Nicolas Sidjakov; text: Ruth Robbins
1976: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon
1978: Noah's Ark by Peter Spier
1979: The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble
1989: Song and Dance Man, illustrated by Stephen Gammell; text: Karen Ackerman
1997: Golem by David Wisniewski
1999: Snowflake Bentley, Illustrated by Mary Azarian; text by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

The Ant Bug really enjoyed Song and Dance Man, and Noah's Ark is wonderfully illustrated (there are no words). The other books are meant for a more mature audience than my 4 year old, so she didn't have much interest in them.

Recently Read: The Goose Girl

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

This is the second book I have read by Shannon Hale (the first was Austenland), and I found it quite enjoyable. It is a retelling of a Grimm's fairy tale, enhanced by the author's imagination. Written for a young adult audience, this is a fun quick read. I'll be looking for more books by this author!

My Gospel Study in August 2009

2009 Outline for Sharing Time and the Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation
August Theme (and weekly gospel principles): Temple blessing unite families.

August Scripture: "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heave: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19).

Chapter 38: The Wentworth Letter
Chapter 39: Relief Society: Divine Organization of Women

General Conference Addresses April 2009

Allan F. Packer, “Finding Strength in Challenging Times!,” Ensign, May 2009, 17–19
"We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic. These promptings become the foundation of our testimonies. Then our testimonies will keep us happy and safe in troubled times."

Thomas S. Monson, “Be Your Best Self,” Ensign, May 2009, 67–70
"Although our journey through mortality will at times place us in harm’s way, may I offer you tonight three suggestions which, when observed and followed, will lead us to safety. They are:

1. Study diligently.

2. Pray fervently.

3. Live righteously.

These suggestions are not new; they have been taught and repeated again and again. If we incorporate them into our lives, however, we will have the strength to withstand the adversary. Should we ignore them, we will be opening the door for Satan to have influence and power over us."

"To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer."

Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, May 2009, 112–14
"My brothers and sisters, may we strive to live closer to the Lord. May we remember to “pray always lest [we] enter into temptation.”2

"To you parents, express your love to your children. Pray for them that they may be able to withstand the evils of the world. Pray that they may grow in faith and testimony. Pray that they may pursue lives of goodness and of service to others.

"Children, let your parents know you love them. Let them know how much you appreciate all they have done and continue to do for you."

Elaine S. Dalton, “Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord,” Ensign, May 2009, 120–23
"As you live a virtuous life, you will have the confidence, power, and strength necessary to climb. You will also be blessed with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Follow the promptings that you receive. Act upon them. Like the cairns on a trail less traveled, the Holy Ghost will show you all things you should do (see 2 Nephi 32:5). He will teach and testify of Christ, who has “marked the path and led the way” (“How Great the Wisdom and the Love,” Hymns, no. 195)."

The Friend, August 2009

The Ensign, August 2009

Recently Read: The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood

The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood by Drs. Sears

I've been feeling that our family's diet could use some improvement, and this book gave a pretty decent nutritional review and suggestions. One thing I liked was teaching your kids about "grow foods", the kinds of food that will help them to grow stronger and smarter. What kid doesn't want that? Using the term grow food is a better tool in a parent's backpack thank saying "eat your veggies".

Here are the important points I think are worth remembering.

Here are the 10 changes every family must make:
1. Shape young tastes early.
2. Feed your family the right carbs.
3. Feed your family the right fats.
4. Feed your children grow foods.
5. Feed your family fill-up foods.
6. Begin the day with a brainy breakfast.
7. Raise a grazer.
8. Feed your child's immune system.
9. Raise a lean family. Get active as a family.
10. Teach your children to be wise supermarket shoppers.

Avoid the "Terrible Threes"
1. High-fructose corn syrup (I've been checking labels, and this is in everything. It's going to be tough to completely eliminate this).
2. Hydrogenated oils, or "trans fats"
3. any color additive with a number symbol attached to it (e.g. blue #1, yellow #5, red #40)

Best carbs: fruit, beans, soy foods, veggies, whole grains

Best fats: avocados, eggs, flaxseed oil, hummus, olive oil, seafood, wheat germ

Multiple times the authors said this: Eat Fish.

Best grow foods: eggs, fruits, lean meats, seafood, vegetables, whole grains, beans, cinnamon, low-fat milk, raw nuts, low-fat yogurt, poultry

Top Twelve Superfoods for Kids: salmon, blueberries, spinach, nuts, eggs, tofu, yogurt, avocados, oatmeal, flaxseeds, beans, tomatoes

Super Snack List
-carrot sticks dipped in hummus
-apple slices dipped in peanut butter
-whole-grain cereal with peanut butter
-edamame
-string cheese and a piece of fruit
-cottage cheese and fruit
-a handful or raw nuts or trail mix
-pita bread spread with hummus
-rice cake with peanut butter and banana
-parmesan cheese melted on a slice of whole grain bread
-blueberries in yogurt
-popcorn
-celery sticks with peanut butter
-cherry tomatoes with cheese cubes
-fruit and yogurt smoothie
-hard boiled egg
-bean dip and veggie sticks
-any fruit
-whole grain, preferably homemade muffins
-cut-up vegetables with salsa and corn chips

At the least this book offered lots of healthy suggestions for my grocery list!

Scripture of the Week: Alma 37:34

"Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls."
Alma 37:34

For Family Home Evening tonight we had a discussion about the importance of family work. We're implementing a new plan for chores for the Ant Bug, and giving her the option of choosing some extra jobs (ie. washing windows or cleaning doorknobs) to earn her own money. Then we can have lessons on tithing and saving and the value of money. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Recently Read: Lavender Morning

Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux

This was another book club selection and I honestly have to question why. It's a romance novel, but nothing too amazing. Fine for pure fluff, entertainment reading, but I won't encourage anyone to rush off and get your hands on a copy of it.