Tuesday Book Update

Thank you so much for your book responses. I loved the feedback that was left in the messages for the last book blog. Like I said, reading with me is feast or famine. So inevitibalyI was drawn to read the final two books in the "Uglies" series, plus the book, "Twilight" that I had put a hold on at the library finally came in. After reading "Twilight" I had to read the second book in that series, so I read that one too. Here is my take on the book for this week:

1. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld: This is the second book in the "Uglies" trilogy and it left me reeling for more. I was pleased that the author stayed true to the personality of the character that he had developed in the first novel, and added some unique twists on the ever anxiety building plotline. The only dissappointment I felt was that the end had no closure...thus this book is truly a "second" in a trilogy...it just was a link to the finale. If you liked "Uglies" this book is a definite read, but I still only ranked it 3.5 out of 5.

2. Specials by Scott Westerfeld: I don't really want to give away the ending of the "Uglies" trilogy, but I was distraught with the series end. I felt this book led the reader in 20 new directions without giving the base of the store a clear conclusion. Please let me know if you disagree, because I am prone to liking the simple ending over the complex...so I don't want to lead too many readers astray with my rating. I did not like the ending! 2.5 out of 5

3. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer: To be honest, I read the back of this novel and I clearly was not interested in reading it; but, I had promised a close friend that I would, so I dove in! Let me say, I was so glad that I continued to read past page 40. Up until page 40 my interest was not sparked, but moving deeper into the simple yet heart wrenching plot my interest was sparked...no my interest was on fire! I absolutely loved this story. Yes, this book is about a vampire (I know, sounds kookey) but I promise, by the time you are half way into the book, you will not be able to put it down. I love this book because it takes a supernatural relationship and breaks it down to a pure, yet simple love story that will leave you wanting much more! This book was on the New York Times best seller list and it is definitely my read of the week! 4.5 out of 5

4. New Moon by Stephanie Meyer: This book is the second book in what I am guessing will be a trilogy. There hasn't been a third book published yet, but from the open ending of this novel, I am sure there will be a third. If I was comparing seconds, I enjoyed this second book much more than I did of the "Uglies" series. This second book could stand on its own...aside from a few loose ends that are clearly ties to a third. I enjoyed this book because it took the series from a simple growing love story, to a complex weave of friendships, personal struggles, dealing with inner feelings and the choice between right and wrong...once right and wrong can be defined. I absolutely enjoyed this sequel! 4 out of 5

That is all the reading for this week, if you have read any of these books or you read any from my previous book post, please leave comments in the message board! I love to hear what you have to say about the books. And to all of you who responded about Ender's Game, I was wondering if you read the sequel? If you have, could you please message or email me info about it.

Here comes the Tooth Fairy!!!

Yesterday, George ran into my bedroom at 6:55 am insisting that I wake up immediately. Mark covered himself with blankets and pretended that he could not hear him, so I rolled over and tried to be a nice Mommy, asking him what exactly he needed. He opened his mouth wide and tried to explain that his loose tooth was now hanging by a thread. Now anyone who knows George knows that he is quite the "sensitive" kid. He does not like getting hurt and definitely shys away from any situation that my injure him. With an inquisitive look, I simply asked, "ohh, can I feel it George?" I stealthily shot forth my hand into his mouth, seized the tooth, twisted and yanked. Plop! Out came George's first baby tooth. When this happened, George gave me a shocked, I don't know exactly how to respond to what just happened, look; but I just brought up the fact that the tooth fairy would be coming his way pretty soon. That took George's mind right off of his throbbing gum line! Here are a few pictures of George with his missing tooth!

Twirl, Suck, Twirl, Suck

I can hardly believe that my little Teddy bear is already 3 1/2 months old! Time flies so fast. Over the last month Theodore has developed the cutest habit. About a month ago he found his thumb and has been soothing himself to sleep throughout the day. Along with his thumb, he must have noticed the soft wisps of hair attached to his head, because as he sucks his left thumb, he twirls his hair with his right hand. Pretty much every time he starts to doze off, I will find him twirling and sucking. I tried to capture a picture of him in the act.

Some Good Reading

One of my goals this year was to read a new book at least once a month...what I hadn't planned on doing was completing all 12 of my books in the first month. But I am a feast or famine type of person. I love to have a binge reading session more than just slowly reading a little out of a book everyday. A great friend of mine told me to read the book Twilight but that book was already checked out, so while I was waiting for that book to come in, I checked out and read the following books. Next to each book I left my rating and a little bit of info about each book. If you have any suggestions on some good reading, please post it because I am always up for a good book.

1. Under the Nightingale Floor (I forgot the author and I already returned the book) This book is written in historical Japan and it is about a boy who loses his family and is taken in by a mysterious traveler. This book is excellent if you like adventure, mixed with a harsh honor code, and a little romance. I give this book a 4 out of 5 (some of the violence is a little too graphic for me...and there is a little bit of you know what...)

2. Uglies by Scott Westerfield (I think that is the author...I am not looking at the book) READ THIS BOOK....READ THIS BOOK...READ THIS BOOK...READ THIS BOOK....
I absolutely loved this book. Although the book is more than 400 pages, it is an engaging quick read. This book is so great, I am not going to spoil it and try to sum it up. PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE: Read this book!!! 5 out of 5

3. Once upon a Marigold (sorry forgot the author again) This book was quick to read, it is a cross between a fairytale and a coming of age story. It was cute...but really it would be a perfect book to read for a 13 year old. I give this book a 2 out of 5 for an adult or a 4 out of 5 for a teenager.

4. Enders Game (Orson Scott Card) I have actually tried to read this book three or four times, but I was bored by the first 10 pages or so. Ok I finally stuck to it and once you get past the first 10 pages you wont be able to put it down. Parts of the book were a little too far fetched and dark for me, but over all I thought this Sci-fi novel was worth the day of reading. (4 out of 5)

That is my book commentary for the week, if you want any more info on any of these books just e-mail me or post on my blog and I will get back to you. Then maybe we can start a little online book group!

George, Sophia and a Mer-boy

On Friday the boys and I went out and played on the beach because the weather was so nice. I layed out on the sand and read the book, Across the Nightingale Floor, while the boys ran up and down the beach. I must have been really into my book, because I didn't notice what was transpiring down the beach a little ways. George, Henry and their friend, Sophia were digging in the sand and playing around. After 20 minutes or so, George came over and was adamant that I come and look at what they were doing, so I walked over and this is what I saw:

If you can't tell, they turned Henry into a little Mer-man. Isn't it great that the weather is so nice and sunny that you can enjoy the beach almost all year round? We love living in Hawaii and when the day comes that we have to leave, I am sure that we will be very sad.

I love RACHEL RAY

I just wanted to share a great recipe with you! Now, I have been trying to drop the baby weight by working out and doing weight watchers. I have been doing ok, but I hit the holiday rut. I was so excited yesterday when Rachel Ray made an incredible light pasta dish, because pasta is my favorite of all favorite foods! The following recipe is actually a combination of a couple of her recipes because I played around with it a little bit. It might sound a bit scary to you, but please try it! Mark and the boys loved it and I loved it so much, I made it twice already!

Cauliflower and Vegetable Penne
Serves: 10

Ingredients:
1 tbl. EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
3-4 garlic cloves chopped
1 med. red onion chopped
1 head of cauliflower coarsly choped into small pieces
1 1/2 cups fat free chicken broth
1/2 - 1 tbl. Chopped rosemary (fresh or dried)
salt
Pepper

1 medium Zucchini Cut into 2-3 inch strips (resembling french fries)
Fresh or Frozen string green beans (two large handfuls)

12 oz. Whole Wheat Penne (or Barilla Plus Penne)
1/2 cup Italian Cheese Mixture (or shredded mozzarella)

Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Salt the water and begin to cook the penne in the salted boiling water. After the pasta has been cooking for 8 minutes, throw in the cut Zucchini and Frozen Green beans. Continue cooking until beans, zucchini and pasta are tender. Drain pasta/veggie mixture and then place into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle italian cheese mixture on top and toss.

While water is boiling, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and lightly brown. Add chopped onion to lightly browned garlic and stir well. Continue cooking over a medium high heat until onion is tender. Add chopped cauliflower and stir well for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, rosemary and salt to taste, stir well, cover mixture and simmer until cauliflower is soft. Pepper to taste and remove mixture from heat. With a potato masher, mash the mixture until all the ingredients are blended togather like a chunky sauce! Pour sauce over the pasta/veggie mixture and lightly toss. Serve immediately!

This recipe is so yummy! please try it and then tell me what you think!