My Reading-Journey Story

When I was a child, I loved books. I remember my mom reading Berenstain Bears books to me as well as many others. I still remember the voice she used for Mama. 

I remember enjoying the elementary school library where I had my first introduction to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl and of course many others.

I didn't have much access to my small town's public library as we lived outside of town so I only remember going to it a few times. I did, however, devour school library books throughout elementary school and middle school and part of high school.

My mom introduced me to Agatha Christie books and I would always take them to read when we went on vacation. I loved Agatha Christie.

As happens with some people, books became less fun for me when certain ones were assigned in high school. No offense to the those Charles Dickens fans out there but I did not like A Tale of Two Cities and it's possible I didn't even finish it.

So in high school and college, I was less of a book worm.

After I got married and started having children, I discovered my love of books again. My husband and I read to our children when they were young and since he also loves reading, it's no surprise that all of our children developed a love of books.

For many years I loved mysteries with a hint of romance or other genres with a hint of romance. I was wary of anything in the "romance" genre because I was worried about content. My high school friends understood if I asked if something was "Kristin appropriate." I didn't like being exposed to foul language or crude/inappropriate jokes.

Then years ago I was introduced to a new genre of "clean romance" books. I read Julianne Donaldson's book, Edenbrooke, and loved how the main characters became friends before realizing their love for each other, probably because it echoed my own love story with my husband. 

I read some other books from time to time like that, including Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden, so many years later when they announced they wanted to make a movie of it, I jumped at the chance to support the project and I was not disappointed with the result.

In the last few years, I've grown to love clean romances more than I did those many years ago. There are so many books out there that are "Kristin appropriate." I'm grateful for the authors who write them.

I've become more of a book worm again and have enjoyed getting into lot of different types, not just clean romances. I even have some cookbooks based on books.

I've gotten involved with book clubs, library programs, author events.

Sometimes I do them on my own, sometimes I drag family members with me. We all get involved in Summer Reading programs with local libraries.

I've learned how great it is to interact with authors and learned to value supporting them in different ways, whether that's taking a look at a Timmy Termite book for Stephanie Goodman to give my opinion before it's published or posting on social media over and over about how much I love A Lady's Guide to Love and Pirates by Jennifer Moore.

It's been quite a reading journey getting to where I am but it has been good for me and I can genuinely say I LOVE BOOKS!   

Oh, Jet. Your hair looks so cool.

I took a picture of Jet's nicely combed hair one day (it doesn't always stay combed) and he insisted I send the picture to Daddy. He knew Daddy's response would be, "Oh, Jet. Your hair looks so cool."

Daddy did give that response... after a little coaching from Mommy. 

Be a Good Neighbor

I mentioned that Stephanie read to Jet that Sunday evening. Jet wanted her to read some more but it was getting late so we agreed that maybe we could go after school the next day. After school on Monday we did check with Stephanie and she was happy to have us come. She read so many books to Jet, including some she illustrated herself. She's really good with different voices of characters, too.

September 28 was National Good Neighbor Day and Stephanie is definitely a good neighbor.

That morning I was looking at the Calendar of Celebration and reading that day's holidays out loud.

"My brother's birthday, National Family Day, Ask a Stupid Question Day, National Good Neighbor Day, National Sons Day. Oh, I need to make sure I wish my brother Happy Birthday."

Jr.'s response was, "Why?"

I just looked at him.

He asked, "What are the holidays?"  

It took me a moment. Jeremy had just walked out the door but he got it. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! 

I did spend time with sons on National Sons Day and that night we celebrated National Family Day with Family Home Evening.  

 

The next day, September 29, was Happy Goose Day. I told Jet that I wanted him to be happy that day since I call him a silly goose all the time. I mean it in a nice way. 

Busy Week

The week of September 21-27 was busy. I had things going on every night. 

Because of Shelftember, I didn't go shopping but used what we had to cook some crockpot meals. Jr. helped with getting them out when they were done or finishing them so people could eat while I was gone.

Everything was going on while I was still doing literacy activities for Jet and me for National Literacy Month and trying to celebrate holidays. I said it was a busy week. 

As you know, I had book club on Tuesday, September 22 (I think we had Family Home Evening on Monday, the 21st). 

I found out the day before that there were parent teacher conferences on Wednesday, September 23, to get through before the boys had a youth activity that night.

Jr. Jr. brought home leftovers. #shelftember

There were parent teacher conferences on Thursday, September 24, which I actually knew about and had planned for. Jeremy was able to go and we were able to watch a presentation by the beginning orchestra students. Jeremy stayed to take a picture of Lucky and to take him home while I ran down to BYU to pick up Nichole so we could make it in time to book club at the Orem Library.

When we got home, I read the book, Punctuation Celebration, to Jet to celebrate Punctuation Day.

It was also Jim Henson's Birthday but those at home forgot to watch Muppet Treasure Island, so they watched it the next day to celebrate observed. Tim Curry passed away recently so that was part of the thinking there, too. To celebrate him.

Friday, September 25, was Quesadilla Day so I made black bean quesadillas before I headed out that evening.

It was National Daughters Day, so I took Nichole with me to go watch a friend of ours in an opera.

It was 9-25. 9 2 5. Dolly Parton Day. Dolly Parton passed away recently so we started watching the movie, 9 to 5, to celebrate her. I got too tired so we finished the movie the next morning. I'd never actually seen that movie before. It was part of Jeremy's childhood, though. Often we find things that were very similar in our upbringing but there were a few differences we've introduced each other to.

Saturday, September 26, I went to a BYU faculty concert to support another friend who was performing.

That day was National Singles Day. Several people had singles in their water bottles or in glasses. It was Public Lands Day but we were too busy to go anywhere. It was Johnny Appleseed Day so Jet ate applesauce while wearing his Johnny Appleseed hat he made at school.

Sunday, September 27, was National Chocolate Milk Day. We ran out of milk (I told you I hadn't gone shopping), but a few people had hot chocolate. Close enough.

That night was a Neighborhood Walkabout. We were encouraged to go for a relaxing evening walk around the neighborhood with our families. Several homes had food and treats to enjoy while socializing. At the Goodmans' home, besides socializing and treats, Stephanie read to Jet. She said he was the first child to hear her read Blue's Lost Shoe. Awww. 

It was a lovely evening.

Man, those days were busy. 

Mommy, Look

Jet: That looks like a frog.

Walkie Talkie Conversation

JJ: Hello.

Jet: Jet can't talk. I'm just pretending.

JJ: Did you have a nice day weekend with Daddy? 

Is It Art?

 

We had a little too much fun with empty gelato cups.