Forest's Summer Book Briefs and a video

We like to read in the Dutton household. For anyone out there interested in some good reads, here is a list of books that I've been reading this month. It's been a while since I've been able to read so regularly outside of school and I'm enjoying actually reading for fun.

One Fine Day

Remember that movie? I think my mom and I watched that one together:) Speaking of fine days, we were lucky to have a visit with Aunt Holly last Friday! We enjoyed a picnic at the Carolina Children's Garden, spent some great time chatting, and Addison even showed off her eating skills to her auntie! Has anyone been to the Garden? It's definitely worth the trip. 

Eurocup!

Much like the rest of the world, we like soccer! Hello Eurocup 2012! Maybe Addison will be the next Mia Hamm...

hole in my life

Good Thursday to you! Does anyone else think that summer is a great time for reading? Maybe I still feel like I need to check off my accelerated reader list before school begins. It's probably that I want to go to the beach, sit in a chair, and read books all day (under the umbrella with SPF 100 of course). Anyways, I'm always on the look out for good book suggestions. Right now I'm making my way through NPR's summer reading list. And I must say, both of the books I've read so far have exceeded my expectations.

The first:

image source

Macmillan summarizes, "In the summer of 1971, Jack Gantos was an aspiring writer looking for adventure, cash for college tuition, and a way out of a dead-end job. For ten thousand dollars, he recklessly agreed to help sail a sixty-foot yacht loaded with a ton of hashish from the Virgin Islands to New York City, where he and his partners sold the drug until federal agents caught up with them. For his part in the conspiracy, Gantos was sentenced to serve up to six years in prison."

The second:

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"A debut novel about a young Muslim war orphan whose family is killed in a military operation gone wrong, and the American soldier to whom his fate, and survival, is bound (goodreads.com)."

Any suggestions?

We call them rooster tails...and happy Father's Day!

Wishing all you dads out there a happy Father's Day! Happy first Father's Day to my husband Forest. Addison and I think he's the best daddy in the world...not that we're partial. Praying that this proverb is true for our family.  

"The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him."

Proverbs 23:24

Forest and Addison with their matching "roosters"

 

Addison vs. Komodo Dragon

Has anyone visited the Komodo Dragon exhibit at the zoo? I love the zoo! The dragons are really cute...for a dragon anyways. Addison and this one had a staring contest. I'm pretty sure they wanted to eat each other. And in her current teething stage, I'm pretty sure Addison would rule that little dragon:)

And sorry for the terrible quality of this photo. I basically have a Zack Morris phone.

image source: zackmorriscellphone.wordpress.com

Big news!

"The U.S. Public Health Service has found you qualified for appointment and call to active duty as a

Junior Assistant Health Services Officer (R) O-1 (Senior COSTEP)."

Congratulations to my husband Forest for acceptance into the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps as a physical therapist! I am so thankful for all of your hard work, perseverance, dedication, and a true pursuit of excellence. We are all proud of you. 

Minnesota here we come!

 

Renewal and 5 months!

June 11th already! How did that happen? 

Well, as I sit here between laundry loads on this dreary Monday morning, I thought I would share something that I'm learning. This weekend Forest and I discussed knowing and applying the Bible. If I DO happen to memorize a verse I am happy to check it off my list and go about my day. Check, check, duty done...now there are dishes to wash and beds to make. I don't think the memorization of God's Word necessarily leads to application for me. 

Chickpeas anyone?

Does anyone else eat chili year round? We like it anytime. It's easy, you can double (or triple) it, it can simmer for hours, and it freezes well. Can't get much better than that! You can use a variety of beans, veggies, and spices but the following recipe is our favorite. Enjoy!

Like a weed!

She's growing up! Sometimes it seems like a phase WILL NEVER END (fussing, fussing, and more fussing)! But in general I cannot believe how fast the time goes by. As mentioned in the previous post she's rolling over now. We can also add sitting up (in the Bumbo) and solids! She is doing great with her new cuisine. It's a mess and I can't imagine doing this for multiple meals a day (does that mean multiple baths!? I hope not).

The contraption below was custom-designed by her daddy whom we call "the Rigger" though I think he would prefer MacGyver.