Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Book Review: The Boy on the Wooden Box

Amazon Book Description:  Even in the darkest of times—especially in the darkest of times—there is room for strength and bravery. A remarkable memoir from Leon Leyson, one of the youngest children to survive the Holocaust on Oskar Schindler’s list.

Leon Leyson (born Leib Lezjon) was only ten years old when the Nazis invaded Poland and his family was forced to relocate to the Krakow ghetto. With incredible luck, perseverance, and grit, Leyson was able to survive the sadism of the Nazis, including that of the demonic Amon Goeth, commandant of Plaszow, the concentration camp outside Krakow. Ultimately, it was the generosity and cunning of one man, a man named Oskar Schindler, who saved Leon Leyson’s life, and the lives of his mother, his father, and two of his four siblings, by adding their names to his list of workers in his factory—a list that became world renowned: Schindler’s List.

This, the only memoir published by a former Schindler’s List child, perfectly captures the innocence of a small boy who goes through the unthinkable. Most notable is the lack of rancor, the lack of venom, and the abundance of dignity in Mr. Leyson’s telling. The Boy on the Wooden Box is a legacy of hope, a memoir unlike anything you’ve ever read.
 
 
Wow, this was a powerful and amazing story.  Leon was brave, resilient, and resourceful.  He was one of 5 children.  His parents did their best to keep their family together, but ultimately lost 2 children during the Holecost.  With the help of Oskar Shindler, the others were able to stay together.  There were so many times when their lives were in jeopardy.  To think that this actually happened is just unbelievably sad.  It was truly amazing to hear his first hand account---his story as a young boy trying to survive.  This book gives you a glimpse of the nightmare he lived in for years before escaping to America. 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Independent Study- Book Review

Amazon Book Description:  In the series debut The Testing, sixteen-year-old Cia Vale was chosen by the United Commonwealth government as one of the best and brightest graduates of all the colonies . . . a promising leader in the effort to revitalize postwar civilization. In Independent Study, Cia is a freshman at the University in Tosu City with her hometown sweetheart, Tomas—and though the government has tried to erase her memory of the brutal horrors of The Testing, Cia remembers. Her attempts to expose the ugly truth behind the government’s murderous programs put her—and her loved ones—in a world of danger. But the future of the Commonwealth depends on her.
 
 
 
There are not enough words to express my love for this series.  I cannot wait until June when book 3- Graduation Day comes out.  This is a combination of  Hunger Games and Divergent all in one.  It has a love story, mystery, and a strong female as the lead character.  She is smart and resourceful.  In this book, she has to trust her instincts in order to survive her first year at the University.  The testing has not stopped...and looks like tension and deceit will lead to another war unless Cia can figure out who she can trust.  I highly recommend this series...though I would wait until May to start as book 2 ends in a cliffhanger. 
 


Wednesday, January 15, 2014

DIY Wreath--and I didn't mess it up!




I've been seeing the tulle wreaths all over pinterest--especially for Valentines Day and I knew I had to make one--or 2.  It was so easy even I couldn't mess it up!  I think I did mine a little different, but I'll tell you about it anyway.
I bought a small (8 or 9 inch) wreath form and two 6 inch x 20 yard spools of tulle.  For this one, I used pink and purple (this one was for Mia's room).  I cut strips appoximately 8 or 9 inches long.  I just eyed it.  I'm not fancy and I don't have time to measure. 
After I cut my strips, I just tied knots.  That's it.  I did sometimes tie the pink with the purple.  I felt like that pulled them closer to gather and left less gaps.  Very simple and I'm really happy with the finished product (sorry, I didn't take a picture).  Now, I just need something either in the middle or on the side.  Any suggestions?



Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Lone Survivor


Amazon's Description:
On a clear night in late June 2005, four U.S. Navy SEALs left their base in northern Afghanistan for the mountainous Pakistani border. Their mission was to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader known to be ensconced in a Taliban stronghold surrounded by a small but heavily armed force. Less then twenty-four hours later, only one of those Navy SEALs remained alive.

This is the story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, and the desperate battle in the mountains that led, ultimately, to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. But it is also, more than anything, the story of his teammates, who fought ferociously beside him until he was the last one left-blasted unconscious by a rocket grenade, blown over a cliff, but still armed and still breathing. Over the next four days, badly injured and presumed dead, Luttrell fought off six al Qaeda assassins who were sent to finish him, then crawled for seven miles through the mountains before he was taken in by a Pashtun tribe, who risked everything to protect him from the encircling Taliban killers.

A six-foot-five-inch Texan, Leading Petty Officer Luttrell takes us, blow-by-blow, through the brutal training of America's warrior elite and the relentless rites of passage required by the Navy SEALs. He transports us to a monstrous battle fought in the desolate peaks of Afghanistan, where the beleaguered American team plummeted headlong a thousand feet down a mountain as they fought back through flying shale and rocks. In this rich , moving chronicle of courage, honor, and patriotism, Marcus Luttrell delivers one of the most powerful narratives ever written about modern warfare-and a tribute to his teammates, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
I've read the book twice and now seen the movie and it was nothing short of amazing.  It was sad and heartbreaking, but I have never been more proud of our military.  Those men are true American heroes.  The movie follows the book pretty closely and Mark Wahlberg did a great job playing Marcus Luttrell.  I also liked that Marcus was in the movie playing another Navy Seal.  There are no words to describe the pride I felt for those men.  I've never been in a theatre more silent when the movie ended.  The credits paid tribute to his fallen comrades and was the perfect way to honor their service.  I'd recommend the book and/or movie to anyone. 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Weekend Recap

 We had a fun weekend.  Life has finally slowed down a bit after the holidays.  Saturday, the kids had swim lessons in the morning.  That afternoon, they wanted to paint.  It was a great chance for me to get something done so I made a wreath for Mia's bedroom door.
This lasted all of 10 minutes...

It is finally finished.  I just need to find something cute to hang in the middle or put on the side.

Saturday evening, we had dinner with friends.  The kids loved playing together.
One of the things I love about our church is the special attention the Pastor gives to the children.  This is called the "Children's moment" in which he brings all of the kids up front for a quick bible story/lesson before they go to the nursery.  Yesterday he told the story of baby Moses in the basket. 

After church, while waiting for Sunday School to start, Mia decided to eat her cereal with chop sticks.  Because...who doesn't? 

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear Starbucks

I really wish you delievered.  It's 7 degrees outside, -14 with the wind chill....far too cold for me to walk a block to stand in line for 15 minutes for a nice hot salted caramel mocha latte. 
That's all...
Karen

Monday, January 6, 2014

Family Update

So, blogger is not really working well for me this morning.  Pictures are not posting, etc.  So, today I'll just fill you in on what's going on in our lives.  Let's just hope the old wives tale is not true- when they say whatever you are doing on New Years is what you will be doing the rest of the year.  I spent my New Years in bed, sick.  But, I'm feeling better now so that's good.  Here's an update on our family.

  • My Dad- My Dad has officially declined any and all treatment.  He has cancelled all of his Doctor's appointments and even stopped taking his current medication (for cholesterol).  He has decided to live his life as best as possible until the Cancer will not allow him to live it anymore.  My heart is broken, though in many ways, I admire his bravery and determination to stick to his guns despite my pleading.  I see now where I get my strong will and stubborness.  He now has back pain which leads me to believe that the cancer has spread to his bones.  I desperately hope I am wrong.  We are going to visit in March.
  • Chris's Mom-  Chris's mom is so strong.  I really admire her positive attitude and outlook.  She is recovering well from her brain surgery.  The biopsy results determined that the cancer found in her brain was not breast cancer (nor brain cancer) which means, there is a new primary somewhere.  We are waiting on a pet scan for further information.  She feels great and looks amazing so I have high hopes that she is going to beat this!
  • Paxton- My little man definitely takes after me with his stubborness.  We have made no improvements.  The therapist is recommending another round of feeding therapy for 6 weeks.  Chris and I are not onboard right now--for many reasons.  We are looking into alternative treatment.  On the plus side, he is strong and healthy!