Superpowers 101: Finding Time To Read

I love books. I honestly have kind of a hoarding/addiction type attachment for books, especially really beautiful children's picture books. I can NOT pass a Jan Brett book without buying it! (That is why I never go to books stores!)

My quirky vices aside, reading is very powerful to me. I love to finish a book and feel as if I have said goodbye to dear friends. I love that urge I feel to tell my husband about the exciting twist I just read when he asks if anything interesting happened that day. I love the combination of words to form patterns and rhythms that can lull me to sleep at night or create a kind of literary symphony.

Since early childhood I have also loved writing. It is like a fantastic word puzzle that only a select few can solve!

Every author who is asked about the craft gives the same advice to potential writers: READ!

So that is what I started doing.

Not just reading for fun (although I do enjoy it!) but reading to educate myself. For example, if I was reading Harry Potter I might look at the way J.K. Rowling uses point of view to keep the reader in the dark about certain mysteries. If I am reading a book that I don't like, I ask why. Is it the wording? The Characters? The story itself? All this helps me learn the good and bad of writing.

Between simple pleasure and learning a useful skill, I feel compelled to read. Well, now I do. For many years I barely read anything. For one thing, I didn't know what to read. I needed to find a genre that appealed to me. Once I did, I had to make reading a priority.

The first step was reading to my children. I started reading to them at nap time until they fell asleep. I sometimes read kids books but I usually read whatever I wanted to read. The kids would be asleep in a matter of minutes. Sometimes I would keep reading to myself for a little while. Reading aloud had many unexpected benefits for me.

As I began to read more, I started finding other ways to steal a few minutes of reading.

• I read while I waited for the water to boil or the brownies to bake at dinner time.
• I take the book to the bathroom  (honestly the only moments of semi-privacy I get some days!).
• I read for a few minutes at night before going to sleep. 
• I wake the kids in the mornings then read while they eat and get dressed for the day.
• I used to read while I waited for the bus in the afternoons (when I had to drive to the bus stop).
• I take a book with me to all appointments.
• I bring a book with me to youth activities at church. (I wait while the kids participate)
• I like listening to Audio books while I clean, especially a really indepth job. It helps the work go faster!

There are unused minutes in every day. Once you get into a book, one that is hard to put down, you will discover time you never knew you had!

Superpowers 101: Reading Books

I love reading. I reached an age in my teen years where I thought there was nothing to read but classics. I didn't read a book for fun until I was in my late 20's. That is when I read Harry Potter. I realized that I love fantasy. I love YA and children's fiction. (I also like biographies but that is beside the point.)

I made frequent visits to the small libraries at our Belgian duty station. The librarian at one library knew me and my tastes. One day she handed me a book. "This just came in. Why don't you read it and tell me if it's any good."

I had a few other books that I was eager to read so that book sat around until it was almost due. I finally started it. And quickly finished it! I LOVED it! It was Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. I read other books by this author and enjoyed them also. A few months after reading Princess Academy, it was awarded a Newbery Honor, a runner-up to the Newbery Medal for "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." I was thrilled. I felt like one of my friends had been recognized!

Books have that kind of effect on people sometimes. We get so attached to the story, the characters, even the authors at times. Why? What is it about a book that makes it so dear to us?


Not long after this experience I read another book that had been catching my eye on the library shelf. You might have heard of it. It was called Twilight.

It was not at all what I expected. I tore through this series as well. I dragged my kids to the PX the morning Breaking Dawn was released so I could find out what happened. I knew I was a bit obsessed. I thought of it as an indulgence. We were still living overseas and Twilight mania hadn't really hit there...yet.

I was shocked and even disturbed by the obsession I found when I arrived back in the USA. There was a lot of backlash, too. People were passionately in love or passionately in hate! It was crazy!

I read a few articles that were less favorable. I had to admit they made valid arguments. In fact, they were similar to my own concerns as I was reading. Like the maturity of the subject matter. Or the fine line the characters walk (and often cross) between what is acceptable and what isn't. I read those books as a mother, thinking about the standards I wanted for my own children.

The problem with reading those articles is that they swayed me to their way of thinking. I no longer saw the books with the pros and cons I had originally seen. I no longer felt the same way about the story or its message. This has been a disappointment. My reading experience was ruined. The deeper question is, were they right?


I recently read another popular series, The Hunger Games. I had seen many articles and blog posts about this series as well. I intentionally avoided the opinions of others. I wanted to read this series and make my own decision. I wanted to decide for myself whether it was worth reading or not. I liked these books also. I found much that was insightful and thought-provoking. Then I read some of those "anti-Hunger Games" blog posts.

I found the protests weak and petty. I suddenly saw those critics as shallow and mean. I was shocked that they focused on small details to support their "shun everything" mind-set. I was annoyed with myself for ever thinking they were people I might look to for insight or wisdom.

This time their toxic words did not change me. They did not influence my feelings about the story. If anything I felt encouraged that I could find value and worth. I found new meaning in the 13th article of faith "If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy we seek after these things." Could it mean that we seek the praiseworthy where others see trash? Is it the ability to skim off the bad and retain that which has value?

How does that translate to people? Do we see value in everyone? Or do we focus on the undesirable and possibly obvious flaws and weaknesses?

The point of all this is that we each have the power within us to discern right and wrong, good from evil. We each have the ability to think, to reason, to compare. Ultimately, we choose how to view the world around us. Are we judging books (and people) by their covers? By their blurbs? By the reviews of critics? OR do we take the time to open the book, read it for our selves and make a judgement based on our personal experience?

There Is No Frigate Like A Book

By Emily Dickinson

There is no frigate like a book

To take us lands away,

Nor any coursers like a page

Of prancing poetry.

This traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of toll;

How frugal is the chariot

That bears a human soul!

Christmas Favorites

December is here and the countdown to Christmas is quickly winding down. This is the time of year when we embrace traditions. Here are a few of my seasonal favorites.

Food

1. Ginger Cookies. It seems everyone has a recipe similar to this one. I like to add red and green sugar sprinkles when I roll them in sugar. It gives them a festive touch. I only make them around Christmas time.

2. Sugar Cookies. I have a confession: I hate making sugar cookies. We make them once and when they are gone, that's the end. I make a huge batch and spend all day doing it so we have enough to last a while. My Grandma Wilson made sugar cookies every year and I loved eating them. I make them for the kids to help them have memories a wonderful as mine. That is true love!

3. Oyster Stew. This is a Wilson family tradition. I haven't had it in years. When I was growing up, my family would get together every Christmas Eve and eat bowls full of this warm, oyster and butter-flavored milk with pepper and saltines. I don't think the oyster stew was really the important part of the tradition; it was sitting around the table laughing, talking, and just being together.

4. Brach's Peppermint nougat This is my all-time favorite candy. I can easily eat bags of them if I am not careful.

5. Red Velvet Cake. Another of my Grandma's holiday treats. I have carried this tradition to my family. We have a cake with homemade cream cheese frosting every year. As an added touch, I like to color a little frosting and make holly leaves with red-hots for the berries.

Music

1. Amy Grant. I have "Christmas Album", "Home For Christmas", and "A Christmas To Remember". I have always enjoyed her Christmas music. My kids like it too.

2. Bing Crosby. "White Christmas" is the true legacy of this man, although he has some fun Christmas songs like "Christmas in Killarney" and  "Mele Kalikimaka".

3. Jim Reeves. I had not heard of this artist until I got married. My husband had a Christmas CD that I have come to love.

4. The Forgotten Carols. This part of a unique Christmas story. I like that it focuses on non-traditional aspects of the Christmas story like the inn keeper and Anna, the woman at the temple.

Books

1. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. My husband gave me this as a Christmas present the year it was published. I read it right away and loved it. I was thrilled to see it was being made into a movie, "Christmas With The Kranks",  which I also enjoy each Christmas.

2. The Autobiography of Santa Claus  by Jeff Guinn. I read this a few years ago. It is historical fiction about the history of Christmas celebration. I found it so engaging that I forgot Santa wasn't real!!

3. Santa Calls  by William Joyce. This is a children's book about the true spirit of the season. It has a very sweet message.

4. Christmas Alphabet by Robert Sabuda. He is an amazing artist whose books are all pup-ups. I only have this one (which no one is allowed to touch without me!) He has created several Christmas books.

5. The Bible, of course. There would be no Christmas story without it. You can't go wrong with reading the story straight from the source. Try reading the passages listed under "Jesus Christ; Birth of" in the Topical Guide.

Movies

1. White Christmas. I didn't see this until I was grown. It can be a little boring in places (it has some annoying songs and modern dance numbers that I could do without.) The storyline is interesting and sweet. I enjoy movies that remind me of ideals and hope.

2. It's A Wonderful Life. So wonderful and uplifting. It reminds me that every life is important and that you never know what someone else is going through.

3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This is a guilty pleasure. It is so funny but kind of crude in places. I watch it at least once every year. I can't help it! I just need a good life sometimes!

4. Christmas In Connecticut. Our librarian in Belgium recommended this. It is funny but you have to pay attention. It isn't like modern movies that you can watch while you do other things and not miss much. This movie also reminds me that stress and pressure during the holidays are not new issues.

5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. This is one of the classics. I like this one the best. I like "Jack Frost" too.

6. How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The old, cartoon version is wonderful. The newer, live-action one is dumb. Sometimes, less really is more. I like this because there are many stories that say "we can't have Christmas without Santa and presents". The Grinch says the opposite.

7. The Night They Saved Christmas This was my favorite when I was a child. My kids have already watched it several times this year.

8. The Santa Claus. The first is the best but I like the whole Santa Claus series.

9. An American Christmas Carol. This is one of my husband's favorite Christmas movies. It is a nice adaptation of the classic. We also like this 1984 version of A Christmas Carol.

10. Miracle On 34th Street. I love the older version of this movie. The newer one has some redeeming qualities, too.

Here is the link for the Christmas page on lds.org. It has lots of great ideas, videos, music and stories to help keep the true meaning of Christmas alive in our homes.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Chriatms Celebration!

Superwoman Book List, Part 2: Children's Books

I have been reviewing the stats of my blog and found that the book list and movie reviews are quite popular. I was thinking of writing more specific posts about these two topics.

Books can have a life-changing impact. The books we read as children are especially significant to forming us into the people we will become.

I recently wrote about the Berenstain Bears, which I definitely loved as a child and still love today. So I won't include those in this list. Here are a few books that I enjoyed as a child that still bounce around in my head.

1. Thornton, the Worrier by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. This is a book about a rabbit that worries about everything. Then he meets someone who never worries at all. When I was a child I didn't think of myself as a worrier. As I have gotten older, especially since becoming a mother, I tend to worry more. When I feel too stressed, I think of this story. It reminds me to take things in stride.

2. Socks For Supper by Jack Kent. This is a sweet story about self-reliance. My mother used to read it often. She said it was the Church's Welfare Program in children's form. I liked this story as a child. As an adult, I cry every time I read it. It is so simple and yet so powerful.

3. Great Day For Up by Dr. Seuss. This is really the only Dr. Seuss book I liked as a child. I read Green Eggs and Ham and Hop on Pop but they were crazy! This one was cheerful and funny. My mom used to quote the first line to us when she woke us up..."The sun is up so up with you!"

4. Junk Day on Juniper Street by Lilian Moore. This basically "one man's trash is another man's treasure" in story form. But I have always liked it.

5. The Family Minus by Fernando Krahn. This is a silly story that fueled my imagination. My husband can blame this story for my love of clever names. (If I had my way our kids might well be called Fire and Federal!)


Here are a few children's books that I enjoy reading to my own children.

1. Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor. This is such a sweet book for little girls. I enjoy the whole series. So do my girls. It is so fun to "play" fancy Nancy with crazy scarves and ribbons and artificial flowers.

2. Click, Clack, Moo; Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin. A simple, funny story about animals on a farm. The kids and I love it. (This is also a series.)

3. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. This is the same author who wrote Shrek (which only vaguely resembles the movie) I found this story very touching. My kids think it is boring but I still like it.

4. Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins. I loved this as a child. I can almost quote it. Which is good since my 2 year old wants to read it at least 10 times a day! But I still love the rhythm of the words. It is so fun to read!

5. I Wish That I Had Duck Feet  by Theo LeSieg. This was also a favorite from my childhood that my kids love. A fun story about creative thinking and self-acceptance.

6. A Bad Case of Stripes  by David Shannon. Also about self-acceptance. Very crazy for the kids eentertainment. And even though it is about a girl, my boys love it. (I think it is because of the gross things she turns into!)

7. The Gardener by Sarah Stewart. I first heard this story during a Relief Society meeting. It is a wonderful story about nurturing talents and making the best of bad situations.

8. Flotsam by David Wiesner. I love books by this author/artist. There are no words but amazing artwork.

Superwoman Origins: Part 1

I have been thinking a lot about the people who have been examples to me, who made me who I am today. This line of thought was prompted by a book I recently read. It was called Down A Sunny Dirt Road By Stan and Jan Berenstain. It is an autobiography, mostly about how they became artists. I found it very interesting. I like learning about people.

The last few chapters of the book discuss the children's books they have published featuring their famous Berenstain Bears. I realized that I had grown up reading many of their books. Go To School was one of my favorites. I loved the details of their drawings. Another that I read over and over was Go To The Dentist. I read many Berenstain Bear books as a child and still enjoy reading them with my children.

I was touched by how this couple has influenced so many children. Their books are so simple and sweet. They teach simple answers to basic problems in life. I have always appreciated them for their life lessons.

But as I read the autobiography I was struck by an new realization. I want to be like Mama Bear. I always have. She has been an example of effective motherhood my entire life. Her gentleness and wisdom have always appealed to me. I can even remember thinking "I want to be like that when I grow up" as I read of her serving snacks to her kids and planning fun activities for them. I am sure that my zeal for labeled boxes of toys in the children's rooms comes directly from The Messy Room.

I found myself feeling a sense of reverence and gratitude for the Berenstains. I don't think they set out to create a series of books that would teach children how to be parents. But I do believe they worked very hard to create books that would be true and good. Isn't it amazing what happens when we have a righteous goal?

So, I just want to say thank you to the Berenstains. Thank you for following your passions and sticking to your standards. Thank you for being so willing to create so much optimism in a cynical world. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful example of motherhood! Thank you for helping me be the person I am today.

Superwoman Book List

I have always loved reading. When I was young I actually used a flashlight under the blanket to read late into the night. The biggest problem I had was finding books. As I got older I was concerned about reading books that didn't express the values I was trying to embrace. During my teenage and college years I mostly read classics that were assigned for classes. I enjoyed them but Shakespeare and Dumas are not exactly casual entertainment.

It wasn't until I was married with children that I discovered a book genre that I really enjoyed. My husband had been deployed and read the first four Harry Potter books while there. When Order of the Phoenix was published, he sheepishly admitted that he was eager to read it. Long story short, I read the books too and was hooked.

I wasn't satisfied to wait for the last two books to be published. I went online and explored the local library for Young Adult and Children's books that looked interesting. I discovered a world of books that fueled my imagination and made me excited to read again. I was staying up late to finish a chapter or turning off the TV because it was too distracting (Sacrilege!)

A few years ago I started a Goodreads account and was amazed at how many books I had read. (feel free to check it out sometime) I have also been amazed at how some of those books have stayed with me. Here is a list of just a few books that I still think about and would recommend to others.

1. Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett. This is the first in a series that I have truly enjoyed reading. It is fantasy fiction but not what you would call "high fantasy". There is a lot of insight and philosophy in these stories that I appreciate greatly.

2. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner. This is the first in a series, also. The story is a little slow but it is short. When I reached the surprise ending I thought "What just happened?" So I read it again. The subsequent novels have the same meandering style with a sudden;y satisfying ending.

3. The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I know, everyone is in love with Twilight but this one is really good. It is painfully slow but the ideas that are presented are still fresh in my mind three years after I first read it. (Plus I love Science Fiction!)

4. The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. When I first started this book I didn't think I would like it. But the story is wonderful. I can see why it received a Newberry Honor.

5.Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. This is a very interesting book. It explores why we do what we do, like naming our kids or joining gangs. I found it very interesting.

6. The Ropemaker by Peter Dickinson. This book frustrated me when I read it. I can't explain why exactly, maybe the author's voice differs from mine. But I think about the story often. I read it years ago so I guess it made quite an impression on me.

7. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. This is definitely a dark story. I still feel same chilling creepiness I felt when I first heard it (I listened to it on CD). It is about some crazy twins. I think of it more now that there are crazy twins living across the street from me! What appeals the most is the way she talks about books and reading. I found her descriptions very poetic.

8. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. I first heard of this book we a movie was made a few years ago. The book is nothing like the movie. Still, it is a very good story about obedience and free will.

9. Heidi by Johanna Spyri. You may be like I was and think "I know that story, I don't need to read it." You would be wrong. It is so touching. Even if you read it as a child, read it again. It means something different when you are a mother.

10. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. My all-time favorite. It has everything; romance, heart ache, mystery, terror. It might require a little more effort but it is so worth it!

I hope you have a chance to read a few of these. As I said, these are some of my favorite books to read for pleasure. I could add many other books for many reasons. And I have a list a mile long of books I want to read. Even if these are not your kind of books, I hope you can find some books that you enjoy. Reading is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

Super Gear

I've been thinking; where would Wonder Woman be without her lasso and bracelets or Spider-man without his web stuff or Batman without his bat-mobile and bat-shaped sharp throwing thingies?

Nearly every superhero has gadgets and gear to help him (or her) be more successful in saving the world. So, what are my "super gadgets"?

The first one that comes to mind is baby wipes. As my husband says, I like to "wipe down the world one wipe at a time." It's true. I use them for everything. Besides cleaning dirty bottoms, they can also clean dirty hand, faces, arms, legs, shoes, floors, walls, tables, windows, door knobs, cell phones, handles, high chairs, backpacks... Whew! I am working up a sweat just thinking about it! I really do use them for anything and everything. I do use paper towels, sponges, and washcloths when they are available but a package of baby wipes is all you need when you are going out. I actually prefer them for wiping down the steering wheel and they are great at getting ball-point pen ink off of skin.

Another favorite cleaning item is a chore-boy long-lasting sponge. I like the 2 sides. They do last a while.When they start to get nasty, I use them for dirty jobs like cleaning floors and shoes and bikes. I use them until they are completely worn out. When the commissary at out overseas duty station stopped carrying them I was very tempted to have someone ship me a case from the States. I also like the cell-o no stick scrubbers.

I like plastic baggies. I especially like the ones that have a zipper across the top. Even the cheap brands work fine for me. I use them with cake tips when I don't have a real bag available. They are great for simple things like writing a name or adding a few flowers. I also have used them for filling deviled eggs.  I use them for storing crayons, toys in the diaper bag, snacks, pretzel bags that were ripped open so someone could eat 3 pretzels, anything you want to keep clean and dry on a trip (like TP), leftovers, kids money and permission slips for school trips, and dirty diapers if you can't get to a trash can. Along with plastic baggies I love permanent markers. I write on the bag and fill it with whatever I want.

I also love spell check. I can spell fine when I am writing but I have trouble typing correctly. I often type words backwards or get all the letters but not in the right order. I have heard that this is actually some kind of disorder, like dyslexia, but I am not stressing over it. As long as I can proofread and spell check, I will be fine.


Okay, so those are small things. Here is a big one. Today I went to the Doctor with my 3 youngest kids. When I got there I opened the back of the Suburban to find no stroller! I was devastated. I almost went home. I decided to give it a try and it wasn't as bad as it could have been. My 3 1/2 year old was the worst one. So now my arms are tired and the day was much longer than it needed to be (because little legs move slowly!) but...IT CAN BE DONE!!! (Note: this is not the first time I have ever been without a stroller.)

Books on tape or CD are great too. I actually get more housework done when I am listening to a book. I want to get to a good stopping place so I do extra tidying and scrubbing (instead of doing a half-hearted job and running for some mental stimulation elsewhere.)

That will have to be all for now. Unless I include doors. Being able to put a screaming baby in his crib and close the door can be a truly magnificant tool for keeping ones sanity!

Developing your "super powers"

I believe there are a few skills that are essential for every person to know. These are skills that make it possible to function successfully in the world. I also feel these skills are important for survival and self-reliance. If you have these skills, great! If you don't, maybe you should consider developing them. It won't hurt and will very likely improve your life.

1. Reading. Okay, so that may seem obvious (since you are reading this) but there are people in the world who are able yet rarely read. I used to only read for information; magazines, newspapers, How-to books, etc. This kind of reading is important and more people should read to learn something from time to time.
Several years ago I started reading for pleasure again. It has changed my life. I always enjoyed reading but I thought I had outgrown "fun reading". Since I started reading again I have found that I read faster, my comprehension is better, I have something to think about besides children and cleaning, and I am much happier than when I filled my time with TV and movies. I also read aloud to my children more. I used to hate doing this because I didn't like my voice. If I read for very long my throat would get dry and I would stop. Now I don't mind either of these challenges. I guess practice makes perfect.

2. Cooking. This might seem obvious to some of you but I have met many women who can not cook...or DO NOT cook. I find this incomprehensible. I enjoy cooking most of the time. I like trying new things and having control over what I eat. I am by no means a gourmet but I think I am a pretty good cook. I feel satisfied that I can provide meals for my family. I also believe that cooking for yourself saves money. During our recent move we found ourselves spending between $30 and $60 per meal to feed our family! I have added up the cost of our favorite meals and the most expensive was only $18 with lots of leftovers.

3. Basic Financial management. I am not a financial expert but I have learned from my mistakes and work very hard to avoid repeating them. That is why I am horrified when I meet a woman who says "I let my husband do all of that." or "Money isn't important." Are you kidding me!?!?!? Money one of the most important tools we have in our society. Without money you have no home, no food, no transportation, no education, the list goes on and on. Now I am not saying that you should be obsessed with money or that it should have unrealistic priority in your life. I am saying that by not understanding basic principles like interest and budgeting, you can get into SERIOUS trouble. I guess many people are learning this lesson the hard way. What is most devastating is not finding your self over your head in debt but learning how a simple it would have been to stay out of that pit.

4. Sewing. This might seem like an outdated skill to you but it isn't. Although making your own clothes may not be cost effective, sewing skills are still valuable. Simple minding does not take much time or effort but can save you in the long run. I am surprised at how many people can't hem a pair of pants or sew on a button. They find it too much work and would rather replace it than mend it.
Another important reason to learn to sew is modesty. I have very strong feeling about little girls wearing short shorts and sleeveless dresses. I would much prefer to add a sleeve or lengthen the hem than let my girls be overexposed.

5. Organizational skills. I hate trying to find something in a pile of junk. My husband would laugh at that because I am the "cluttered one" in our home. My argument is that I have to keep track of 8 people's stuff and he only has to keep track of some of his own. Still, I do have meticulous standards when it comes to our important documents and records, storage items like baby clothes and Christmas decorations, and the children's toys. Less important clutter ends up in piles or boxes or bags until I sort it and re-sort it and eventually find a home for it or throw it out. It is an ongoing process. I can't tell you how good it feels when you need scissors and they are in their place or when your 3 year old put all the cars in the car box without being told what to do.

6. Shopping skills. I know what you are thinking. ALL women know how to shop. I disagree. All women know how to SPEND MONEY!. There is a difference. A successful shopper can go into the store and buy what they need without overdoing it. She knows how to get a good deal and buys with the future in mind. I am particularly surprised at how many people buy only enough food for one or two meals instead of stocking up on the things they eat often. I tend to buy food on a cycle. One week I might buy several jars of spaghetti sauce. Another week I stock up on ground beef. When we start to run low on an item I buy at least a months worth. The same principle applies to kids clothes. I might buy several pair of jeans in different sizes because they are on sale. Now when my "giant child" has yet another growth spurt I don't have to rush out and buy him something so he can breath at school the next day.

I have only listed a few of the many skills that help keep a family running smoothly. Not only are they good skills for a mother to have but good skills to teach her children. As I said in the beginning, these are important for anyone to master...even guys!