Making a Book List, Checking It Twice...

Every Christmas in these parts, one can expect to find the trifecta of book, toy, article of clothing under the tree.  Santa tries to bring what I call "the investment book."

These are books so good that we should own them, not just borrow them from the library. Oftentimes, these books happen to be books bout Christmas. Have you ever tried to find your favorite Christmas book at the library in December?  Yeah, me too.

I've come across a some good book lists this month with old favorites and new titles to add to my 2015 reading list.

This list from A Mighty Girl is designed with girl readers in mind, but has loads of crossover appeal. These stories are all about Christmas.

I've had Star Bright: A Christmas Story in my Amazon cart for awhile now after seeing the illustrator's work on Instagram.

I read this list of children's book illustrators to follow on Instagram and now I follow ALL OF THEM!  Their creative and quirky photos fill my feed with joy.

Who wouldn't want to see what Brigitte Barrager, author of Jill's very much loved The Twelve Dancing Princesses is working on now?

Or Jon Klassen, author/illustrator/humorist-genius behind I Want My Hat Back?

Here is a list of 15 Picture Books for Giving. Lots of classics on here.

Here is the New York Times List of Notable Children's Books for 2014. Many of these I have not read, but I'll get on that right away.

Lastly, my mom sent me this list titled Your not-to-be-missed Christmas list of kids' books with both tried-and-true and recently-released reads.  This list is NOT a list of books about Christmas.

I've got Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt in my pile right now.

If you're wondering if I've read a particular book, try googling "housewifespice and {insert title or author here}" or just email me!

If you're looking for a particular age or gender, try clicking on those keywords in my sidebar.  I've tried to be diligent about labeling my posts with keywords for easy searchability.  Or you could email me or use this comment box.

I like to think of myself as the Sommelier of Kiddie Lit. And Candy Corn. And Candy Canes. And Bacon.  And I'll stop now.

7QT: Still Pregnant.

1.  Forget Anna and Elsa.  Jill is only interested in Leonor and Sofia.  She's been asking repeatedly who the Real princesses are, and I was finally able to deliver some names and images besides Princess Kate.

They are lovely little girls, and they have silver shoes just like Jill's.

Also, they are Catholic.

2.  Father's Day was super lame around here.  I thought I'd have somethingone for Patrick for the big day, but it he/she has not arrived as of yet.  

I keep checking my email for tracking info, checking those baby apps hoping to see "Today you will have your baby." but nope.  Nada.

Patrick spent most of Fathers' Day re-creating our Korean Barbecue experience. Food is his recreation and his love language. 

These are Korean dumplings and the traditional 12 side dishes at the authentic restaurant we went to when our kids were out-of-town.  We don't know what most of those dishes are, and neither did our server.

His Father's Day gift to himself.  Omelet thingies here ^.

He made the Galbi beef short ribs, sauteed bok choy, pickled kimchi cabbage, Asian cucumber slaw, and those little omelet roll ups with the green onions served room temp.  Those omelet bites are incredible with a little soy/chili sauce mixture drizzled on them.  Everything was scrumptious.  Even Jill cleaned her plate, eating mostly omelet bites and beef.

Korean beers and water.  I'm pretty sure the water is Gangnam Style.

Some of the credit for that feast goes to Micaela for inspiring me to seek out the mysterious flavors of Korean cuisine.  Go check out her series of interviews with homeschoolers, including one with yours truly.

3.  Run out of summer fun yet?  Multiple rainy days in your part of the world?  

Enter the giveaway for hundreds of pages of Childrens' Activities here.  Also, check out some of the links for free downloads of dot-to-dots, coloring pages, mazes, and more!

4.  

Yesterday, I got a package from my sweet sister-in-law, Adaire.  A care package! With chocolate, and lip balm, and hair ties, and jewelry, and the cutest mug you ever saw!  The hair ties and lip balm are going straight in my birth center go bag, should I ever need to actually go there and birth someone.  The chocolate might not be with us very much longer.

The whole kit and kaboodle was adorably packaged.  You really made my day, Adaire. The package and the prayers.  Thank you!

Go check out Ruthiebox, and send someone some love in a care package.

5.  Speaking of surprises and prayers, sometimes you find things where you least expect them.

My kids know their phones are subject to random checks.  Technically, their phones are our phones, since we pay for them.  

Earlier this week I found someone's phone surreptitiously peeking out from under a sofa cushion and decided to take a peek at what she's been up to.

She had been texting a male acquaintance the usual, "hey"  "what's up" stuff.  He asked if she was going on the upcoming group trip to a theme park this weekend. She replied, "Idk.  My mom is due any day."

His response, "Oh, that's right. I've been praying for her."

Some kid who likes my daughter is praying for me?  

Sigh.  

Tears.  

6 & 7.   How to Cope with Being 40 weeks Pregnant at the End of June when Temps are in the 90s and You Don't Have Central Air Conditioning

Aside from window units, box fans, ceiling fans, and plenty of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (iced), I rely on two very important products.

This is Culver's Lemon Ice.  Culver's Lemon Ice is my very best friend.  One scoop is 100 calories and zero fat.  For $1.99, I can face another day.  Cue One Day More theme music...

This is Dr. Teal's Lavender Epsom Salt Soaking Solution.  I put about a cup or more in my bath before bedtime and I not only watch my cankles disappear, but I can sleep comfortably until the birds start chirping at the buttcrack of dawn. The 4 to 40 bathroom trips don't even phase me.  Grace told me about this magic brew, but my midwives recommend it too.

That wraps up another whiny week with Jessica.  Go see Kathryn for people with better quick takes and better attitudes.  Do I dare to hope that I'll be in a better mood next week with better news?