Jeepers Creepers!

Sometime in the fall Kenneth and I noticed Awsumb wasn't reading as much.  Awsumb has been carrying books  tucked under his arms everywhere he goes since he was a tot.  But each time one of us pointed it out, the other one dismissed it saying, "Let him be, he's interested in a lot of things, he has a huge library of books... he'll come around."  And because we often READ ALOUD (click to read previous post) we let didn't let ourselves worry.

Then our families went in for our annual eye exams we were surprised to hear Awsumb needed glasses.  Awsumb was devastated.  I secretly was excited because I remember trying the little toddler glasses on him when he was a baby.  I kind of figured Awsumb would wear them because Kenneth is practically blind.  I also wear a low prescription. 

The good news is that Awsumb will hopefully grow out of his problem in a few years.  And he only needs to wear them for reading.  Which we have interpreted to mean that Awsumb should wear them most of the time, especially for reading, watching TV, any screen time, doing homework, even building legos.  It turns out the extra strain was making it harder to concentrate, which explains why Awsumb hadn't been such a bookworm the last few months.

To help Awsumb feel more comfortable I helped him select some classy IZOD frames, which are navy blue with a lighter blue on the inside. I think Awsumb looks so handsome!  Awsumb was still a little worried about his new look, so I decided he needed a special portrait session to mark the moment.  These books are ones that Awsumb is currently reading.  Awsumb read HOLES in 24 hours.  I read this one when it was released and have been dying for him to read it so we could watch the movie.  Which is a good interpretation of the book.  If you haven't read Holes by Louis Sachar to your kids they will LOVE IT and it's a great READ ALOUD book!

I keep meaning to make a new suggested reading list since it's been a while since I shared

some of my little bookworm's favorite my first chapter books! (click to read previous post)

Awsumb recently finished The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, which he is excited about because the movie comes out later this year.  And this one is such a classic. Make sure you add it to your child's library!
Awsumb also loves The Keepers of the School by Andrew Clements, one of his favorite Authors... remember Frindle?  Clements is perfect for 4th grade readers.

Any Disney fan should check out Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson about kids that solve mysteries in Disneyworld after hours!  Peter and the Star Catchers is also a fun new series.

Anything by Rick Riordan!  The Percy Jackson 6 book series especially appealed to Awsumb as the series weaves a modern world with Greek Mythology.  I think he is still in the middle of the Heroes of Olympus.  And don't forget the Kane Chronicles about Egyptian Mythology.

How could I forget Awsumb's favorite the Swindle Series by Gordon Korman!  Great for boys who love baseball or just a good adventure.  Follow Griffin as he gets mixed up with a con artist after finding his way into an abandoned warehouse and finds a rare baseball card.   Awsumb brought this one home from a book fair in 1st grade. I thought it looked too old for him, but he sure loved this series, which is probably best for 4th grade and up. 

More recently Awsumb also ready Gordon Kormans Titanic Series, which was Awsumb's first lesson in historic fiction. It took a while to convince him it wasn't a true story.  This led him to a study of many non-fiction books about kids in London and New York during the industrial revolution.  And of course to MY favorite author Charles Dickens!

Good for LDS kids:  The Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites by Christ Heimerdinger, which are about modern day kids who find a cave that take them back to Nephite time. There is a whole series available at Deseret Book.   Awsumb also has the Leven Thumps series, which he was yet to begin reading.

Don't forget to keep reading aloud to your kids.  Sometimes with new books Kenneth or I just read the 1st chapter and it's enough to get Awsumb interested and take over the book.  Other times we save certain titles to read together. And it's a great way to introduce books your child might not read alone. I wanted to do with at least the first Little House on the Prairie book, but never got around to it.   Peter Pan, James and the Giant Pach, The Indian in the Cupboard and The Hotel Under the Sand are great Read Aloud titles.  And don't forget books on tape from the library. Awsumb LOVES to listen to books on tape and will often listen to the same titles over and over again!

Kenneth and Awsumb are getting back into The Mysterious Benedict Society about a genius orphan invited to be part of a very mysterious society. And then I think they might get back into The Lemony Snicket Series.

I am so happy to see my little bookworm back in action working his way through stacks of books!  It's fun to see him go between easier reads, longer novels and non-fiction.

PSA - Get your kids eyes checked! 

What good children's books have you discovered recently?

The Story of the World

Awsumb as Indiana Jones - March 2011

In his quest to become an archaeologist I suggested Awsumb read all he can about history.  When his Hardy Grandparents sent money for Christmas I was excited to finally purchase a series of books I found out about through home school moms.  The Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer is a great series for young elementary age kids.  You can purchase workbooks to go along with them, but I just wanted them to be fun reading. I figured we could read a chapter together each day, but Awsumb was so excited about them that he has gone ahead without me and just finished Volume 1.  Each chapter he has been so excited to share what he is learning as he connects things from his life in modern times, current events and religion.  I am so excited about HIS excitement.

When Awsumb read the chapter on the young King Tut he said, "Mom, King Tut died at age 18. The book didn't say how... I just have to know how, he was so young!  Was it disease?  What?" The next day checked out and read three children's books about King Tut from the school library.

I am so thrilled for his hunger for knowledge and glad he has a love of reading.  These would be great books to read together as a family with young children to inspire them to learn more about history.

I recently read  A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. It's a quick read or a fun listen as an audio book.  Check out the children's book he wrote, A Really Short History of Nearly Everything.  It begins with the Big Bang to What Now?  Awsumb also received this at Christmas and loves leisurely looking through the bright illustrations.

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma Hardy!

The Boy On Fairfield Street

Who was this boy that grew up on Fairfield street?  None other than the same man that taught children to try new things, celebrate individuality and all about fairness in a funny interesting way.  Ted Geisel was born March 2, 1904.  His mother's wish was that he would grow up to be a doctor.

If she would have only known that today no children's library would be complete without Ted's books.  The Boy on Fairfield Street is not only a book for children, but adults as well.  Check it out!

Children all over are celebrating the works of Dr. Seuss this week. I think it only fitting that he be recognized on this day of Awesomeness! LOL!  My son's homework this weekend is to create a character inspired by Dr. Seuss and write a story, poem or comic about the character.

(check back for picture)

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book or character?

BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS!?!?!

Because my son has TOO MANY TOYS! last month I begged everyone we knew to send books this year for Christmas. I knew my son would love it because he can never get enough books.  I began thinking about this because some of the most fun he had on his birthday was shopping for books.  So when my Uncle said he was brining a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas I decided there was no topping that gift and books it was.

Then one night while kissing Awsumb goodnight, I realized he was in major need of a new bookcase. His little bookcase was double stacked and books were overflowing onto the floor. Not to mention all the shelves he had taken over in other bookcases around the house.  And that's when I had the idea to give him a new bookcase full of new books!  Friends and family joined in on the fun. I also pulled a few series from Kenneth's collection to pass onto Awsumb.

I wrapped up all the books and then wrapped the entire bookcase.  (excuse the iphone shot, I'll update with better photos later).  We gave him three guesses.  He said, "A rocket ship, a TV, or a bunk bed!"

He loved it and was pretty suprised!  After the weekend everyone started emailing me this You Tube video...


His parents have since removed comments and keep saying, "he's only 3!"  At any age that kind of  talk is not allowed in my house.  In an attempt to redeem their child this year they made a new video of their child opening books for Christmas.

I'm so glad that my child love to read and loves books. Awsumb has been wandering around with books tucked under his arm since he was a toddler.  He never destroyed or ruined books, even as a baby... Awsumb wondered in awe over the words and illustrations as he carefully turned one page at a time.  But even more, I am glad that he is thankful for gifts of any kind. Including 45 new pairs of socks!

Maybe Kenneth will edit some video of Awsumb's reaction later. I think this will be a pretty memorable Christmas!  And one that he will use for years to come!

Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

When Awsumb was a baby we were asked to be in the church Nativity.   I suggested we let a couple of older children be Mary and Joseph, and would give permission for them to use Awsumb,

IF I could help choose the kids. 

 This little girl was so tender with Awsumb. 

Today she is Awsumb's favorite babysitter!

 

A friend of mine drew all these animals. 

Aren't they beautiful?

I served in the primary for many years

 and watched these kids grow up. 

I just love these photos!

(even with the orange stage lights!)

At some point we could tell Awsumb was getting heavy.  So from off stage we tried to get Mary's attention and let her know she could put him down.  I almost had a hard attack as she placed him in the rickety manger, his head was lower than his feet! 

But if I remember right, Awsumb never made a peep. 

He was a good little baby Jesus.

 

 This year Awsumb was asked to step in as King Herod.  He refused because he was upset about being a bad guy.  Awsumb was happy to be a shepherd with the rest of his class.  (no photos were taken.)  Apparently the young boy who did play King Herod never broke character and continued to glare at the baby Jesus throughout the program and songs!  I guess he was serious about never breaking character!  Kids are so funny!

When you read
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson,

you just know it's going to be the best story ever when you read that first couple lines...

 

"The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids and cussed their teachers and took the name of the Lord in vain and set fire to Fred Shoemaker's old broken-down toolhouse."

 

And when you realize
"the rottenest kids in the history of the world,"
are going to take over the pageant like it or not,
you start to see the Christmas story in a new way,
in a pure and childlike way,
even though these kids are anything but pure or childlike!

It's a good reminder that God sees us for who we really are
and that there is a little good in everyone,

 even The Herdmans!

TOO MANY TOYS!

That's it - we have reached our limit.
Awsumb has TOO MANY TOYS!
And there is absolutely not ONE THING
I can think of that he wants for Christmas.

And although Awsumb is conscious of growing up, I know he really wants to be a kid and believe in all the magical mysteries of childhood.  Do you remember being that age?   When you begin to learn the truth about the world around you. Not just Santa, but everything... yet something inside you makes you want to keep believing...

So what does Santa bring for the little boy that has everything?  That would still be super exciting, memorable and something that would just WOW my little bookworm?

An ENTIRE bookcase FULL of BOOKS!  That's right.  This year Santa will be leaving a full bookcase stacked with books in front of our tree.  I know he will love it and I can already imagine his face... the excitement and wonder...  Whether it's how did Santa get that down our fireplace or where did Mom and Dad hide this - I don't care!  I just know my little guy will remember this Christmas forever.  This little guy has been carrying books around, tucked under his little arm since he was a baby. He never ripped or ruined books, but carfully turned the pages one by one.  We often find him alseep covered in books.  Awsumb simply loves to read.

I have already been stashing books away.  I hope to fill it with classics, childhood favorites and books that maybe he isn't even ready to read just yet. This will be the gift that keeps on giving... a library full of exciting adventures!

So, if Awsumb is on your gift list this year... my plea to you is - help Santa fill the bookcase!  Awsumb has his own wishlist at Amazon.com and if you need any other ideas about what he already has or wants ask Kenneth or myself.  Santa will place your wrapped and labeled book on the bookshelf for him to discover on Christmas morning.  Don't forget to write him a message in the front of your selection!

(Awsumb Kenneth Hardy Wish List at Amazon.com  Look at the left hand side there is 3 wish lists - Books, Classics, Toys and Games)

Totally Awsumb Harry Potter 9th Birthday Party

 

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

For Awsumb Kenneth Hardy’s 9th Birthday Party

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 23rd

Hogwarts Express leaves Platform 9 3/4

at precisely Ten O’Clock AM and will return at Noon

Please RSVP by way of Owl to

Wendy Headmistress, Frolic and Feasts

or use the Floo Network (phone)

Students should come dressed in their

wizarding robes

or favorite Halloween costumes

But not your dress robes

 as the journey may entail physical activity

as well as working with messy potion ingredients!

I printed the invites on scroll paper.

To decorate the envelopes I printed some Hogwart’s stamps and logos to make them look official.

Awsumb had a great time driving around delivering

invites while dressed up in his Harry Potter costume. 

As I usually do for Awsumb’s parties I invited all the kids
to come dressed in costume. 

October Birthdays are fun like that!

For decorations I printed off

Awsumb’s Halloween Portraits

and a few other things such as:

Hoggwart's Crest, Gryffindor banner, a Platform 9 ¾ sign

and the class schedule onto leftover scroll paper.

Add some colorful balloons and crepe paper and it’s a party!

  As the kids arrived I handed out
Wizard Party Hats and Harry Potter glasses.

Kenneth played Professor Wiggles in his black bathrobe and ran the party games:

Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans Game –

 A simple spin the arrow game with four categories:

Sweet, Sour, Your Pick, Blind Pick
 
I made this game out of a Bertie Bott's Beans Candy Box

Divination –

"Professor Wiggles" used his Wand & Magic 8 Ball to answer silly questions. 
(The kids loved this and kept the fun going longer than we expected)

Transfiguration –

Spirit Light Magic Trick

 performed by Awsumb

Potions –

Pop Rocks test tube experiment

 with baby soda bottles
(see Pop Rocks Potion)

Herbology –

Planting gummy worms in
crushed cookies and chocolate pudding!

(served in lieu of cake)

Defense of the Dark Arts –

I don't know who sends their kid to a party with a big stick...

but it worked well for the Pinata!

We sang Happy Birthday and served Caramel Apple Ciders

(warm spiced cider, a squirt of and whip cream)

Next thing we knew it was time to open the gifts

and send the kids home with Goodie Bags labeled
“Honey Dukes Sweet Shoppe” 

Filled with:
Bertie Botts Beans, Chocolate Frogs,
Drooble’s Gum, and Pop Rocks.

I also sent the kids home with their Harry Potter Glasses

and Test Tubes with the potion recipe and other experiment ideas.

 Special Thanks to

my brother Brian and his girlfriend Kate

who really know how to Party Hardy!

There are so many fun ideas out there such as:

A treasure hunt to ‘Search for the Sorcerer’s Stone’,

plant beans in that gooey clear stuff,

decorate wands, etc.

If you need more ideas or would like some clip art, etc.

so you can have your own

Totally Awesome Harry Potter Birthday

I would be happy to share my files!

Totally Awsumb Harry Potter

It's party time around here!  Awsumb is so excited for his upcoming Totally Awsumb Harry Potter Birthday Party.  Awsumb's friends all received invites to attend a special session of Hogwarts School of Wizardry.  I have wizard hats and Harry Potter glasses for all the kids. Plus I bought the candy store out of Bertie Botts Beans, Chocolate Frogs and Poprocks!  Be sure to check back to see pictures of the fun games and experiments we have planned!

Although I never read the Harry Potter series I am glad Awsumb is enjoying them so much. I know that these books can be a great escape. I saw an interview recently with the author.  She said writing them helped sort through her feelings about her mother's death and how she felt about death and life after death.

Betie Botts Beans Anyone?  These are absolutely revolting.  And the afternoon Awsumb decided to break into his bag I felt obligated to share in the fun with him.  After all, if your going to puke, you might as well do it with a friend!  Seriously with flavors like onion, sausage, vomit and booger just the smell of them make me sick!

Get the kids and click to watch

Awsumb's Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld

Picture Books

I recently found myself in a panic as I realized my son was no longer carrying his picture books around the house.  Lately  he seemed to only have "super exciting" chapter books tucked under his arm.  I wasn't ready  to mourn the loss of our favorite picture books and decided I needed to revive his interest.  I pulled  a few of our favorites from the shelf as well as some seasonal picks. I have so many favorites.  But two staple books for us are:

Where the Wild Things by Maurice Sendack - After an afternoon of mischief Max travels to live with the wild things... after a while he realizes he just wants to go home.  Back in his bedroom, Max finds his dinner waiting for him, "and it was still hot."  I love this book and read it to Awsumb on days he has had a difficult time obeying.  I like to remind him that whatever trouble he gets in, I will always be here and will still love him.

That's When I'm Happy by Beth Shoshan - I think this author wrote this book just for our family. The illustrations by Jacqueline East are soft and tender.  The story is about a little bear telling about all the things that make him happy, including working in the yard with Daddy, snuggling and picking out books with Mommy and at the end of the day... "When it's dark everywhere and I cuddle up to my Mommy and Daddy (even though they're asleep), still telling stories to myself, watching stars in the sky, bathed in all their kisses and dreaming of the deep red leaves... That's when we're happy!"  Oh, it's just so adorable and Awsumb LOVES this book because it really is the story of our family. 

According to a recent New York Times Article - Picture Books by Julie Boseman  Picture books are being left behind as parents push kindergartners to read chapter books.  I remember choosing library books when I was young and selecting the small interesting hardback picture books. I just wanted to feel their pages and loved they way they smelled.  My mother argued with me and told me "they were baby books and to put them back and get 'bookmark' books."  I rebelled against her control and the use of the phrase 'bookmark books' and to this day will NOT use a bookmark, but instead memorize the page I am on!

I admit that the words "grab a chapter book, not a comic book" have come out of my mouth more than once in the last year. I think I will change that to, "grab a chapter book in addition to the picture or comic book!  Awsumb is a good reader and it's silly for us to worry about him if he seems to be on a comic book kick.  One of his favorite picture books that I often catch him carrying around is The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller   Although the book has no words, I imagine the adventures of this little dog get more complex as Awsumb grows and imprints his personal experience onto Polo.  No wonder he loves reading this over and over again.

I am happy to be out of the often boring and drab, "I can read books."  But I am determined to keep the Picture Book door open at our house and have committed to continue to add to our collection and passion for great stories and art.

What are your favorite picture books?

Eloise

I have always been a hotel snob and prefer to stay at The Marriott. We were once stuck in a snow storm and on the way home from Utah.  Snoqualmie Pass was closed and because there wasn't a hotel suitable for me in Ellensburg we drove back to Yakima to find a Marriott. There was no Marriott and I cried all night as we were forced to stay at the Red Lion.  I have major hotel issues, related to my OCD I'm sure.. but that's for another blog. Ooooooooooooooo I abslutely love The Marriott.

A couple years ago we had hardwood floors installed and checked into the Marriott just a mile or so from our house. After all the work was complete on our big kitchen remodel, we found ourselves there again.  Awsumb regularly asks when we can stay at that particular Marriott again!

Recently after a long trip to California and a week at our favorite Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, Awsumb has been asking if we can live there.  Then I remembered ELOISE!  Eloise is a classic picture book from the 50's.  Eloise lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York City and is six years old.  She is adorable  and precocious.  Her imagination keeps her out of trouble and causes trouble at the same time. The black, white and pink illlustrations aresimple and fresh.

So I put Eloise on hold at the library and read it to Awsumb a few days ago. He laughed so hard he nearly peed his pants.  Kenneth overheard our fun and just had to join in.  Our favorite lines in the book quickly became family catch phrases.

If you haven't introduced your kids to Eloise get Eloise: The Absolutely Essential 50th Anniversary Edition.  Both boys and girls will love this classic!