I have been wanting to get my daughter into painting I found this book and the reviews look promising. My daughter loves to watch Bob Ross paint. I think this would be a wonderful present for Christmas this year. If any of you have this book feel free to leave a comment.

Captain Underpants.

My kids found a book series that they love to read. I got my daughter the Plot of Professor Poopy Pants at the store. It she took it home and read it cover to cover. Not a peep came from her until the book was complete. Well, with the exception of laughter. These books are silly and fun. Some might say it is senseless to allow children to be filled with this kind of nonsense. But some times its is just fun to be silly. We used the new name chart and gave everyone in the house their Professor Poopy Pants new name. We would be the Banana Buns family and our names are...Honker,Snotty, Face, Head, Face Shorts, Tush, and Chunks. Captain Underpants is a fun read even if your an adult.

Do Hard Things

I had a friend who heard about this book on the radio. As she was telling me about it I knew it was a must read. How many times do we see teenagers wasting their time on all types of things. This book is also on CD. Two twin teenage brothers rebel against low expectation and write a moving book about it. What a motivator for any young person. A must read for young people age 7 and up. I know that sounds young but once you read it you will understand. Character development starts young.

Housekeeping Handbook

I really want this book in 2006 for Christmas. It has all kinds of tips for how to clean things. If you are like me and are a self taught homemaker this book will be so helpful. It has everything from how to fold sheets, which is something I personally have struggled to figure out to how to clean windows. This book is great for the starting out family or the organizer in your family. All those thing you wish Mom taught you but never did are in this book.

From the mouths of babes.

Caity had this small quote hanging up in her room on a post-it note. I think it is so profound. If you can't read it, it says "OH THE THINGS LOVE CAN DOO!!" I love it. She is just so sweet. I nominate this for the quote of the year.

Top Ten Things To Do When You Don't Have Gas Money

1. Blog. Update with a new post, or come up with your own Top Ten list. Go on a random rant, or say something you have been wanting to say,
   
2. Hug someone you love. It's free and binds hearts together. We forget to do this to often.
   
3. Read snuggle up with a book. Pick one you have on hand but have not read in a long time. If the library is close by you can walk to check out books... if not borrow one from a friend.
   
4. Exercise. Take a walk, Run and chase your kids. They love a never ending game of tag. Yoga or stretches. Get some cans of food out of your pantry and do arm curls.
   
5. Work on an long over due project. Clean out the garage. Go through your clothes. Any project you have been putting off.
   
6. Take a nap. Naps are always free. Take a rest you deserve it.
   
7. Clean your car out... if you can't drive it, it should at least look nice sitting there.
8. Come up with ways to recycle. Do something with old newspapers or magazines you have laying around. Set up some system to recycle things in your house. Call and find out where the local drop points are for your recyclable goods. (If you're not lucky enough to have curb side pickup)
   
9. Listen to the radio. Sometimes nothing lifts your spirits more. And it might make you feel like you're driving.
   
10. Look through old photos. Reminisce about days gone by, enjoy a few old memories. The things you forgot may surprise you.