For the Love of Reading

You may think that because I am a reading specialist, I have to love to read, right?  Well, you are partly correct.  I have been a reader my entire life.  I love everything about books:  the way they smell (especially library ones), the different sizes, the texture of the pages, and yes even the way my Nook shows my progress on how far along I am with my current read.

I started this section because I want to start a discussion of books.  Eventually (when I get more of a handle on this blog thing), I would love to start up a linky party for others to share their favorites.  But for right now, this will have to do.

If you are anything like me, you have a book list a mile long and not enough time in the world to read what you want to read.  My husband and I are currently in Maui and I brought about seven books (I have currently read 1 and 1/2).  I have been doing other things here, though!

Okay, but enough about Hawaii (if there is such a thing).  Onto the focus of this new section of my blog.  I am currently reading a great book.

                                                      

My 9-year old recommended this book to me with about 10 others that I just HAD to take on vacation (no our children did not come with us this time).  I then asked if I could just take one, which one would you suggest?  This is what she packed in my luggage.  I have to say I'm loving it!  It will tug at your heart, and I've already cried twice and I am only half way through!

It is about a young girl who is brilliant, yet no one knows because she has Cerebral Palsy.  She can not communicate and express what she wants to say.  The story is told from her point of view, and the difference between the narration and the one to two word phrases that she can point to will make you think about putting yourself in her shoes.  What would life be like?

It is quite good so far, and I am already anticipating the ending and have my box of tissues ready.  Have any of you read this book yet?  It was up for an award here in Illinois.  What do ya think?

Missing In Action

Okay, okay, I know that I have been missing in action much of May and most of June.  So sorry!  However, I have been quite busy.  You all know how crazy the end of the school year is.  My daughter's school year ended on May 24th.  My school's last day was June 6th.  Yikes!  They were very much on vacation mode, and I still had school to finish.

My father-in-law was the "Hero of the Game" at a White Sox Game in May.  He fought in Vietnam, and the White Sox organization honors veterans or current military every home game.  Instead of going down on the field after the third inning and being introduced to the stadium, he decided to get very sick and was later diagnosed with Diabetes.  He is okay and doing fantastic!  Here is a picture of myself and my daughters.

We were able to attend another White Sox game Memorial Day Weekend.  It was much colder than we anticipated.  Very glad we brought the blanket.

My oldest daughter is a softball player.  She plays our park district's in-house season, which goes from March to mid June.  Then she plays for the All-Star season which goes from June to August.  And because that is just not enough softball, she plays fall softball with a nearby township because our park district does not offer a fall program.  This runs from August to October.  What can I say, she loves the sport.  Here is a picture of her with the game ball!

My youngest does not like to try new things.  She only likes to do things if she can do them well. (Those of you that know me, I have no idea where she could have learned that)!  I finally, after many attempts to try to convince her to do it, got her to try roller-skating.  Here she is, even with a smile on her face!

 I hope that for these reasons, you can forgive my short leave of absence!

I want to know, what is on your "to do" list this summer?