Thursday, September 24, 2026

September Continues

September 9 was Wonderful Weirdos Day. We never have to put any effort into that holiday. We celebrate it by being us.
 
September 10 was National TV Dinner Day. I put a little more effort into that one, putting together a dinner with things you might find in a TV dinner. Crispy chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, brownies. Shout out to Jr. who baked the brownies for it.

On September 11, I took some time to reflect what happened 25 years ago. I found out that day someone I know was in the same building experiencing the same thing I did at the time the second tower was hit so we were both reflecting on similar things this year.
I also got out for a morning walk, which I hadn't done in a while.
On a brighter note, it was also Make Your Bed Day so I made pigs in a blanket. 
 
September 12 was National Video Games Day. The kids played video games. 
It was also National Chocolate Milkshake Day. Jeremy did some sketching of a chocolatey scene.
It was also Hug and High Five Day. Nichole, Jeremy, and I went to a funeral for my uncle so there were lots of hugs but not so many high fives.
You know family means so much to me, including extended family. Even if I haven't seen some of my cousins for years and we've gone in different directions, that love is always still there. We are always still family. It was also good for the three of us sisters to be there as well, representing the rest of our family.
 
Jeremy's sketch from that day must have been in my mind because the next day, September 13 was Roald Dahl Day and International Chocolate Day and National Peanut Day. Someone at church was wearing a purple dress. It made me think of Willy Wonka and chocolate. I pointed it out to her. Later she told me she had peanut M&Ms to celebrate. 
That day was also Positive Thinking Day. There was some positive thinking going on.
It was also Grandparents Day. I wished that happy holiday to my mom and sister.
And it was Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day. I told them to make dinner. I think they maybe made pizza? I don't know. I wasn't in charge. And I didn't take pictures.
 
Lots of emotions that week. 

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

National Literacy Month

We've been continuing with the Shadow Mountain Publishing calendars for National Literacy Month. 
Here are some more literacy activities we've done with the adult and children's calendars (in that order):
 
September 9 Visit the library (Bonus: look for a Shadow Mountain book)
Visit the library (Bonus: look for a Shadow Mountain book)
 
September 10 Unplug and read before bed
Read a rhyming book
 
September 11 Reflect on a book that changed your life
Count how many books you read this week  
 
September 12 Read a Shadow Mountain Publishing book
Read a Shadow Mountain Publishing book 
 
September 13 Post your current read
Ask your child what happens next before turning the page

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

International Literacy Day

September 8 was International Literacy Day. #LiteracyAtEveryAge
The Shadow Mountain Publishing National Literacy Month adult and children's calendars had these literacy activities listed:
 
Read for 45 minutes
Read an extra book together 
 
September 8 was also the 60th Anniversary of Star Trek. I have friends who are big Star Trek fans who had a whole weekend of it. I let them know I was thinking of them that day. 

Monday, September 21, 2026

He Left and Came Back

Jeremy built a balloon scene at the Twin Falls County Fair again this year. I always miss him when he leaves but I'm always happy when he comes home.
And I'm not the only one. 
 
While he was gone, we had a day or two where we were able to FaceTime with Jeremy. We would still do family prayer and scripture study by phone but it was nice to see his face. 
 
This is what he built at the fair. The signing of the Declaration of Independence with agricultural references. Happy 250th, America.
My favorite part of his sculpture was Ben Franklin. I love his pose with him touching his spectacles.
 

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Quick Visit

Remember how I was so late for something, we didn't make it? That event was celebrating my Dad's birthday- big family reunion with people I hadn't seen for years.
I had seen my parents at my niece's wedding and reception the month before but I was looking forward to this big event. I was so sad.
Since we missed the event, my parents stopped by Monday morning for a quick visit. I love my parents so much. 
That day, September 7, was Labor Day. 
It was also the anniversary of when the first fully electric television set was achieved by Philo T. Farnsworth. I remembered to mention it to my Farnsworth friend (and distant relative) at church the day before.
 
Jet and I continued on with literacy activities from Shadow Mountain Publishing's adult and children's calendars for National Literacy Month. #LiteracyAtEveryAge
 
September 7 Start a new book
Draw your child's favorite character
His response was, "I love it, Mom!" 

Saturday, September 19, 2026

The Things You Do For Your Kids

Jeremy read the book, "Smile, Pout-Pout Fish," to us then we watched the movie based on the Pout-Pout Fish books. Jet insisted.

Friday, September 18, 2026

Read a Book Day

September 6 was someone special's birthday so I wore my bow earrings.
It was also National Read a Book Day. All of the National Literacy Month calendars from Shadow Mountain Publishing (as well as the "Daily Fun With Your Little One!" calendar from Orem Library) said Read Outside for the literacy activity.

We couldn't read just a book, however. 
#LiteracyAtEveryAge