Friday Favorites

1.  A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka

When you open the book, you'll quickly realize why it was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 2012 (the top honor for excellence in picture book artwork).  Raschka's ability to vividly capture dog Daisy's emotions in regard to her favorite toy is impressive and touching.  This is a wordless book*, but the illustrations require no words to clearly communicate the story. 

*Wordless books are a staple of PK and Kindergarten classrooms where teachers use them to spark imagination and story-telling and to model what readers do when they are reading.  From demonstrating the ability to turn pages and "read" from left to right, top to bottom, to more sophisticated skills like thinking aloud and inferring, wordless books provide a platform for readers and non-readers alike.  Wordless books are also handy for reluctant writers as they can be the idea springboard for kids who complain that they have "nothing to write about."

2.  Banana Oat cookies (chocolate chips optional)

This super easy three ingredient recipe (or four if you include chocolate chips-and let's be real-I always include the chocolate chips) satisfies my need for something sweet and cookie like with out being a full-blown calorie disaster.  I like mine chilled in the fridge and served with a glass of milk.

Two ripe bananas
1 cup quick oats
1 heaping spoonful peanut butter

Mash bananas and mix with oats and peanut butter.  Spoon onto cookie sheet.  Cook for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

3.  Almond milk smoothies

I tried almond milk while visiting Amanda in NYC earlier this year and was surprised how much I liked it.  While I still prefer the taste of 1% milk in a glass or on my cereal, I have found almond milk to be a great addition to my morning smoothie.  I blend almond milk with a banana, frozen strawberries and blueberries and a scoop of protein powder for a light but filling breakfast.  This smoothie is my go to before teaching Zumba because it isn't heavy in my stomach but gives me the energy I need.

4. Suave Professionals Mousse, Captivating Curls, Whipped Cream Mousse, 7Ounce
I have naturally curly-ish hair, but rarely wear it that way because it can be a chore to get the curls to dry uniformly and without too much frizz.  I am usually willing to spend the time with my round brush, blow dryer and straightening iron to get it nice and straight.  However, with the heat and humidity in full force, my desire to stay as cool as possible, and longer hair that isn't quite yet ready for a pony tail, I've decided to embrace the curly-haired me for a good bit of the summer.  I grabbed this product the other day and was very happy at what a great job it did managing my curls.  It doesn't have a strong smell and it was extremely reasonable, price-wise.  I think we'll be good friends this summer!

I don't know about y'all but I am excited that summer time is finally here.  I have a bag full of books courtesy of Jennifer, an aunt who has invited me to use her pool at anytime, and a slower schedule due to the end of SAT season. 

So chime in with your faves-especially your summer related ones!

Disclaimer:  As a member of the Amazon Associate program I receive a small credit for any items purchased by following the linked products on my blog.

Monday Musings . . . on Tuesday

I had plans to write this yesterday, but we're all well aware of my issues with blogging consistently.

I found this writing starter on Pinterest and thought it would not only work as an inspiration for my tutoring students, but for my own blogspiration.

CURRENTLY

LISTENING to and watching The Apprentice on Hulu.  With both the Amazing Race and Survivor finales in the past two weeks, I'm behind on my other "reality" show.

LOVING Bible Study Fellowship!

THINKING that a nap sounds good right now.

WANTING something sweet and salty.  I've been trying to be really mindful of what I bring into the house, so while I would love nothing more than some goldfish crackers and peanut M&Ms right now, I settled for a tuna salad sandwich and an apple.  Womp, womp.

NEEDING a massage and some relaxation poolside.

SUPER POWER: Office Organizer.  My office at home has become such a catch all room.  It is at the top of my "to do" list this summer, so I wouldn't mind if I suddenly could snap my fingers and watch it clean itself.

Woman of Valor: My Mom

There's a saying that reads, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."  And while that may be true, I think the essence of this quote really speaks to the power a mother has in her household.  She sets the tone, and her feelings, choices and state of mind trickle down into the other members of her family.

While my mom has always set a positive tone for my family, I believe that two years ago she was faced with a choice that had the potential to set our course toward victory or defeat.

None of us expected my dad to die that day.  But that didn't keep the truth from shaking us to the core.  He was gone.  Now what? 

And in the face of great heartbreak, devastation and fear, my mother made a choice.

I watched her as she ministered to the people who arrived at our house to drop off food, offer condolences and gift us with plants.

I watched her as she shared stories about my dad-celebrating his life as a wonderful husband and father.

I watched her as she thoughtfully planned a service that would reflect our family's faith and rejoice in the hope we have in Christ.

I watched her as she got up every day, determined to make the best of a crappy situation.

I watched her as she clung to God's promises, believing and knowing that they were true.

I heard her declare that she would not give up on her life, but would instead move forward with whatever God had planned for her.

I heard her state her desire to honor God and honor her husband by refusing to wallow in sadness.

I heard her comfort those who, within months of my father's death, found themselves walking a similar journey.

I heard her quote God's promises and His good news to anyone who would listen.

And I was changed.

I don't know how I would have dealt with my dad's death without the strong example offered by my mom.  If my mom could trust in God in the darkest of times, and have assurance that God would give her a full life in the emptiest of places, then I could too.

And I do.

My mom has done a lot for me over the 33 years I've been on earth:  she's made my lunch, taken me to the library, volunteered at my school, danced on the desks of a few clueless teachers, glued sequins to dance costumes, encouraged me to pursue my talents in singing, forced me to learn piano, wiped my butt, wiped my nose, wiped my tears, come to see me at college for Parent's Weekend even when I acted like a punk freshman year, cooked more delicious meals than I can count, disciplined me, gone through my school binders, taken me to the beach, taken me to lunch, loaned me money, sat next to me at Bible study, held my head over a toilet, sat through endless drill team performances, driven me everywhere, drove to Waco and back in a day to get me when I was deathly ill, taken me on a spontaneous road trip to the Baylor football season opener, braided my hair, made sure I looked neat, made sure I knew how to behave in church, taught me to appreciate the superiority that is a Sonic Coke, and reminded me that desiring perfection is unreasonable, while excellence is a worthy pursuit.

But the biggest thing she's ever done is point me to Jesus.  I know His love, His character and His grace because of her.

Eshet chayil Mom.  I love you!