Have Yourself A Christiansen Christmas #bookreview

 

You ever read a book and wish it would never end?  You just want to keep reading about these characters you've come to know so well?  Back in 2014 & 2015, I reviewed some of the books in Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series.  So when she asked for reviewers for Have Yourself A Christiansen Christmas, I jumped at the chance.  

I got a few pages in and thought, "I barely remember who's who.  Maybe I should just start over."  

So out came the whole series.  (Almost.  I couldn't find my copy of Evergreen, so I requested it from the library.)  Very little else got done around here as I devoured them all over again, remembering why I enjoyed them so much, even though they made me cry.  The Christiansens are a strong, close-knit family with a good balance of faith and humanity.  

The next time I picked up Have Yourself A Christiansen Christmas, it was with eager anticipation to catch up with old friends.  HYACC takes place after a gap of about 7 years since the last Christiansen Family book.  The babies are kids, and the kids are teens now.  The young adults are (mostly) mature married folk now.  

One of the things I liked about Have Yourself A Christiansen Christmas, is that the characters are more mature than your typical romance.  A lot of books have all the fireworks of initial attraction and how a couple comes together.  This book shows the longevity of deep relationships and the hard work of living out that togetherness.  I think I appreciate that more because I'm no longer in the fireworks season of life, and while I still appreciate a good fluff romance from time to time, this book resonated with me more.  

The 7 couples (including Ingrid & John, the parents) deal with a variety of issues in this book.  Blessings, losses, good and bad surprises, misunderstandings, secrets, and opportunities.  But they face these challenges with a strong family support network.  I'm not supposed to share specifics, so as to not spoil anything for you, but I really enjoyed the book, and I hope author Susan May Warren will update us again in the future.  

Holidays with a Tail #bookreview

As we chug along through the "Christmas season" sometimes it's good to take a moment to remember there are other winter holidays out there.  This book is a good tool to start those discussions with your kids.  

The premise of the book Holidays with a Tail is that a boy chases his dog through the neighborhood, and in the process, runs across various neighbors celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Los Posadas.  In discussing these with his mother, he tells her that one of the kids in his class at school celebrates Diwali.  

As a white mom with Asian kids, I appreciate books that normalize differences.  In the end, that's what this book celebrates.  

 

Young Alex is beyond excited on Christmas Eve. He knows that Christmas celebrates the birthday of Jesus Christ, and he cannot wait for tomorrow to come - he wants a puppy of his own to play with and love. On Christmas Day, he opens a large box with, yes, a puppy inside. Alex names him Zipper! However, when grandparents come bearing gifts, Zipper bounds out of the open door. Mother and Alex then begin a neighborhood adventure as they search for a runaway dog and meet neighbors with different winter holiday celebrations and traditions: the Hindu Diwali, the Jewish Hanukkah, the Latinx Las Posadas and the African-American Kwanzaa. Alex then returns home for a Christmas feast, happy with his new canine companion and the knowledge that his neighborhood is filled with amazing people who are more alike than different.

"Kelly Darmofal takes her readers on an unexpected Christmas journey that leads her readers to discover the beauty of our diverse winter holidays! Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations is a book to read aloud to all!" -- Debbie McIntyre, Principal of Jefferson Elementary School 

"With warmth and cheer, Darmofal captures Christmas Day in Holidays with a Tail. A day of adventure for a boy becomes a day of learning and connecting with others for a deeper understanding of cultures and traditions that differ from his own. A great holiday read!" -- Emily M. Cagle, Media Specialist at Meadowlark Elementary School 

"With vibrant illustrations and easy-to-understand language, the author introduces us to five holiday celebrations enjoyed by families of different cultures. This book is non-judgmental and depicts appreciation for the differences among us. While it is intended for children, parents might also learn something new. Holidays with a Tail is a valuable resource if we plan to raise our children with an acceptance of diversity." -- Dr. Laurie Zelinger, Child Psychologist, Author of Please Explain Vaccines to Me Because I HATE SHOTS! Learn more at www.ImLostInMyMind.com 

Another empowering book from Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com

Available to buy from...

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Enjoy these excerpts!

More books by the author

Amanda's Fall, with charming illustrations by Bijan Samaddar, depicts an event common in schools today. Young Amanda gets a concussion after falling and hitting her head during recess. While she can hear people talking, she cannot respond. Amanda is taken to a doctor for evaluation. Wisely, her parents ask for a prognosis, which in Amanda's case, is a good one. Author Kelly Darmofal offers readers her third book on TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), encouraging parents and caretakers to alert schools and, hopefully, doctors when any child is concussed; side effects can then be ameliorated. 

Studies show that Traumatic Brain Injuries represent the leading cause of death and disability in young adults in industrialized countries. According to the CDC, at least 564,000 children are seen each year for brain injury in hospital emergency departments and released. 

Available to buy from...

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Lost in My Mind: Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (Reflections of America) 

Lost in My Mind is a stunning memoir describing Kelly Bouldin Darmofal's journey from adolescent girl to special education teacher, wife and mother -- despite severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Spanning three decades, Kelly's journey is unique in its focus on TBI education in America (or lack thereof). Kelly also abridges her mother's journals to describe forgotten experiences. She continues the narrative in her own humorous, poetic voice, describing a victim's relentless search for success, love, and acceptance -- while combating bureaucratic red tape, aphasia, bilateral hand impairment, and loss of memory. Readers will:

- Learn why TBI is a "silent illness" for students as well as soldiers and athletes.

- Discover coping strategies which enable TBI survivors to hope and achieve.

- Experience what it's like to be a caregiver for someone with TBI.

- Realize that the majority of teachers are sadly unprepared to teach victims of TBI.

- Find out how relearning ordinary tasks, like walking, writing, and driving require intense determination.

Available to buy from...

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101 Tips for Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury: Practical Advice for TBI Survivors, Caregivers, and Teachers 

Kelly Bouldin Darmofal suffered a severe TBI in 1992; currently she holds a Masters in Special Education from Salem College, NC. Her memoir Lost In My Mind: Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) tells her story of tragedy and triumph. Kelly will be teaching "TBI: An Overview for Educators" at Salem College. Kelly’s "tips" were learned during two decades of recovery and perseverance; they include:

- Ways to avoid isolation and culture shock post-TBI

- Tips for staying organized in the face of instant chaos

- Strategies for caretakers and teachers of TBI survivors

- Life philosophies that reject despair

- How to relearn that shoes must match

- Why one alarm clock is never enough, and

- A breath of humor for a growing population with a "silent illness"--TBI

Available to buy from...

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About the Author

Kelly Bouldin Darmofal is currently a freelance writer, wife, educator and stay-at-home mother. Despite her 1992 severe closed head injury, she graduated cum laude in Communication from Salem College (2000), later receiving a Masters in Special Education from Salem (2006). She studied Spanish in Merida, Mexico and took courses at UCLA, UNC-CH, and Wake Forest University. Kelly was employed by the Winston-Salem, NC chapter of the American Red Cross as volunteer coordinator before working in ESL at Reynolds High School, followed by a semester in Special Education at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Kelly worked personally with Dr. Bethanie Tucker, Averett University, to be trained in Tucker Signing Strategies for Reading (2005). In 2005 Kelly joined the Forsyth Country Day School faculty in the Johnson Academic Center as an LD Specialist. In 2007 Kelly accepted a 2nd grade position at Summit School, and taught there four years until the birth of her son. She currently tutors children as a Wilson Reading Specialist and is a published writer. 

Her article on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and education was published in English Journal in 2005; "Our Teachers Are Not Prepared" won an Edwin M. Hopkins award in 2006 (NCTE). She is a feature contributor to Lost Treasure magazine, and has been a speaker on the subject of TBI at Wake Forest, Salem College, and the Summit School. With the publication of online articles related to TBI in addition to her memoir, Kelly continues to advocate for the TBI of America - especially students. "No teacher in high school or college was trained to work with students like me," says Kelly, the first TBI-certified student in her high school. She admits the American military and sports organizations are now attempting to address the TBI issue. However, IDEA, or the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, has made TBI a certifiable disability category (in 1990) without assuring appropriate teacher training. She remarks on this "black hole" in education whenever possible, and relates her early TBI experiences with hopes of affecting change. 

Kelly has found canine care and rescue to be both a rewarding and healing hobby. Currently she owns two rescue mutts - Mitzy and Buddie.

You can also follow the author here...
Website    Facebook    Twitter   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page   Audible Author Page

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Our Meet the Grandbaby Week

First up, proof that I finished the silly bulletin board I showed unfinshed last week.  

I used Crikey to cut the ornaments, and then I glued on printed book covers of various Christmas books we have in the library.  

Since I only needed about 10" of the second garland, I hung the rest on the stair rail at home to add a little festive touch.  This morning, I found it taken down by the cats, and then I found sparkly metallic cat hork later, so I guess that was a bad idea.   

Josiah and Miss M on Thanksgiving.  

Thanksgiving was a low key affair, and this was the only picture I took, lol.  Turkey was had.  Combs and shaving were optional.  

But the weekend after Thanksgiving, we got a whirlwind visit from Zach & Heather & Brayden & Kasen.  Kasen was asleep when they arrived, and it took a lot of self control to wait to get my hands on him, after already waiting over 4 months.  

There he is!

I know it's required by the grandmother code of conduct to think your grandkid is the best, but Kasen really is a happy, sweet, good-natured baby.  

You can even ask grandpa.  

So we visited, and we had lunch...

...then we played Snake Oil, and when Kasen started to almost make fuss noises, 

I did the Nai Nai bouncy sway thing for a bit.  

And he crashed out on me for over an hour.  :swoon: 

Then we had some dinner,  

Gave the tree a little pat, 

and all too soon, it was time to say goodbye for who knows how long.  :sigh:  

Fired up Crikey again this week, to make a star topper for my militree.  "Your what?"  

My militree (military tree).  It's got Air Force and Marine Corps and red & blue ornaments on it.  I've decided I want a bigger one next year.  I'll probably go 4', since my strand of red/white/blue lights isn't terribly long.  

The morning after putting it up, 3 ornaments were down, but the cats have pretty much let it be since then.  I think I've put one more ornament back on it since then.  

The girls each made a craft from a library book during Thanksgiving break.  They're now on the front room tree, which we have yet to decorate, because Fiona likes to climb it.  I feel like we really should give it a try, though.  

Josiah's phone died, too, so he bought his very first iPhone.  

While I was in Crikey mode, I started some ornaments.  They're not done yet.  The vellum (music notes) reacted poorly to the glue I used, so that one is trash, but I'm going to use scraps to test a couple different adhesives and see if I can find one that works better.  Paul suggested "Hodge Podge," so Mod Podge will now be called that forever.  Hobby Lobby didn't have piano or music note paper, or I would not have purchased the vellum.  I was trying to make an ornament for Hannah's piano teacher at school.  

I've talked about the website Art Projects For Kids lots of times, and shown the drawings Hannah & Katie have made from their directions.  I sprang for one of the murals, and used it with my students this week.  

Our Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Week

It's been almost 2 weeks since I posted.  My phone died, and we had to replace it, so I lost some photos between my last download and when it bit the dust.  But I'm happy with my new phone (it's my Christmas present), and I really love the case I got for it.  

While Jack and Katie had play practice after school last Thursday, Hannah and I started transforming the library from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  I had to go buy another garland.  Note to self:  just buy 2 every time.  I used Crikey for the letters and bought the garland at Hobby Lobby.  It's still a work in progress, I have to put up the paper ornaments that go with it.  

Christmas books on display with December notable events.  

At dinner one night, we noticed the ceiling bulging a little bit, so Paul started poking & peeling, and it was damp.  

This turned into A Thing.  

You know, right before that food holiday is the perfect time to have the dining room torn up.  

I maintained my sense of humor by playing with the letter board while Paul ripped out all the damp sheetrock.  

I'm kinda hoping we get new carpet out of this, but probably not.  We're currently "letting things dry out" before figuring out what to do next, so I'll have a coffin sized hole in the ceiling for a while, I'm assuming.  

In all the chaos, I decided we needed to put the tree up.  We gave the cats a few days to acclimate to it, and Fiona has decided we're Dreaming of a Calico Christmas, because she IS the ornament.  

I know I say this every year, but how can artificial trees shed so much??  Josiah taking a picture of Fee in the Tree.  Katie put lights on it, but we haven't added anything else at this point, since Fiona's still climbing it every day.  Grumman can't get her when she's in the tree.  He's too heavy to climb it.  (She's 6# and he's 12#.)  

Grumman discovered a garland and was having so much fun with it!  He was so cute, burrowing into it.  

School pictures are ready!  

The school used a new photographer this year, so we weren't sure what we were going to get, but I'm pretty happy with them.  

Some of the outtakes were hilarious--particularly of Katie, whose face will tell you if she's not impressed with you.  

I have a sneaking suspicion that I may be more eccentric than I realized, since I wore this bright book dress to school on picture day, and nobody even blinked.  

A mini-mural from Art Projects For Kids.  I'm thinking about doing a big Christmas one at school.  

Christmas books, mostly, in this week's library run.  

I had a little "shopping accident" at Kohl's, and the library now has some new plushes and books.  

Their $5 books and $5 stuffed animals in the Kohl's Cares program are quite nice.  I got the Rainbow Fish Christmas book to go with this.  Now I'm thinking I need some scale print scrapbook paper to Crikey up some fishies for a library craft project.  

I have a couple of book reviews coming up, that I'm excited to share with you, and I'm hoping to let the kids do lots of artsy creating in the library this month.  I got the Snowflake Bentley book, so we'll have to make snowflakes.  Maybe we'll hang those in the windows... 

The downside of seeing most of the adult kids in August is that none of them are coming home for the holidays.  So, while I have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, I was a little blue at not getting to share the day with all my favorite people.