April: Sustain

Connection:
For Spring Break my youngest son and I took a trip to Philadelphia and New York City. Not only did we get to connect with each other, but I met up with an old friend from Middle School and we spent more time together than we had in over 20 years!


I started Prime Time Family Reading Time at the Detroit Public Library. I've always loved this program, how it brings families together with books. And in putting my own little twist on it, I love to come up with a dessert to match the books each week.

I went with a friend and her family to see Meadowbrook Hall, a gorgeous 1920's house on the grounds of Oakland University. And also went out with another friend to see Wayne State's theatre production of Sister Act.

And in case that's not enough connection - I did make it to my sorority's alumnae dinner and then went out afterwards with the only other sister who made it who wasn't in her 20's :)

Family:
My younger son and I connected on our Spring Break trip!

I realized last month that my older son and I did not get a chance to do anything on our own, so I purposefully made a date to go out with him for dinner. We had to switch days because of rowing practices and he seemed anxious that we still have time together. Although our dinner wasn't the greatest (Chipotle was out of lettuce!) we did spend good time together and he talked me into taking him shopping for summer clothes.


My husband and I even got in a date night to go out to dinner! And one night snuck out for frozen custard without the kids.

Faith: I read Galations, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and  1 & 2 Thessalonians.

Health: With a week long vacation at the beginning of the month and being sick at the end of the month, I'm pretty happy that I got in 26 hours of exercise and 4 days of walking around big cities! I didn't get in weights as much as I wanted - but I'll tackle that again next month!

Intellect: Books I read this month

Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan. This was a fun read as we follow Ashley through her attempts to become a better parent. It is also raw and true as to all the feelings she goes through on a daily basis. 

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella. This was a re-read for me and a first time for the kids.

14 year old Audrey describes her wacky family and how they are all trying to cope, and help her cope, with a bullying event that led to her eventual breakdown and detachment from society. Through the help of a therapist and a new friend, Audrey comes to terms with the ups and downs life brings everyone and how we can all help each other out. Kinsella does a perfect job of describing the families foibles while also endearing each character to the reader. While I enjoyed this book as an adult, this would be perfect for middle-school aged kids, especially as a conversation starter regarding the tough topics Finding Audrey handles. 

The Island of Dr. Libris by Chris Grabenstein. When we were getting ready for vacation, Grant wanted to check out some books we had previously read - however I realized that he may not remember some of them because when you are 11, a few years is a long time ago. 
We enjoyed Grabenstein's book, Escape from Mr Lemoncello's Library, so much and this book also did not disappoint! Billy is stuck at a cabin with his mom for the summer, but finds that book characters come alive on Dr Libris' Island. I love how the author weaves classic tales and characters into his books that either remind you of great reads - or make you want to discover the books you haven't read yet! The plot had both my kids wanting to know what would happen next. This book is great for late elementary through middle school ages.

The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World by E.L. Konigsburg. This book was really good! Two seemingly unrelated story lines weave together to show us how we are all connected. Amedeo has moved to a new town as he begins to make friends he finds there is a mystery that connects him not only to his Godfather's family, but can be traced back to Nazi Germany.

Who Could That Be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket. It seems I enjoyed the second reading of this book better than the first! I originally gave it 2 stars, but I must have gotten used to the cadence of the series because I enjoyed picking up things I didn't the first time around.

2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino. I did like that this book was different from what I usually read, more modern. And I enjoyed getting the feel of Philadelphia after visiting there earlier this month. This book took place over a day, weaving in and out and intertwining characters, from 9 year old Madeline to her grade school principal. However I couldn't really relate to any of the characters.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick. I really enjoyed this book! A year after his wife dies, Arthur Pepper finds a charm bracelet of hers that he knew nothing about. Each charm tells a little of his wife's life before she met him and Arthur sets off to discover each story. Along the way he makes new friends and reconnects with his family.