My Daughter is a Poet!

So, FJ has been writing really nice poems for quite awhile and I am constantly reminding her to keep a portfolio, but this one really stood out to me, so I thought I would share it.

The Horse Fair
by
Felicia Juliano


This morning starts out fine and fare,
This morning begins the annual Horse Fair.
Dozens of horses are paraded by,
The judges that ask when, where, and why.

The goal of the judges is primarily to sell,
To sell only the fit, only the well.
The judges are glad, the crowd seems alive,
I've got 450, who'll give me five?
The buyers are greedy, they all want more,
I've got 350 who'll give me four?
This crowd is quick and eager to buy,
Anything from Shetland Ponies to Golden Kustanaiz.
Going once, going twice, sold!
To Mrs. Gustave La-Vold.

I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby

I Am Hutterite is the story of Mary-Ann Kirkby and her Hutterite heritage. It tells the story of her grandparents and parents and their lives within the colony. I was familiar with the Amish and Mennonites, however, I had never heard of the Hutterites, so I was interested in learning more. The beginning of the book gives very good insight as to how the colonies are run and the duties of individual colony members. I would have to say that this was the most interesting part of the book for me. For the most part, it did not keep my attention and it took me a good four months to read this book. I did appreciate reading about Mary-Ann's struggle to assimilate in the English world. I felt for her as she tried to have some form of normalcy at school. Other than the history and reading about their life after leaving the colony, I would have to say the rest of the book was mundane.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Spelling Curriculum giveaway

One of my favorites sites has a spelling curriculum giveaway this week. Check it out and enter here: http://www.freelyeducate.com

Chemistry curriculum giveaway

One of my favorite homeschool sites, Freely educate is having a giveaway this week for a Chemistry curriculum called Friendly Chemistry. You can go to their website to enter to win this wonderful set by Fri. August 6th.
Go to http://www.freelyeducate.com/

Diamond Rio Beautiful Mess

I have been a big fan of Diamond Rio for as long as I can remember, so I was interested to read this book which tells the story of the struggles they encountered along the way to becoming a mainstream country group. This book gives great insight into each individual members lives and how the group has stayed together all these years. The book details the group from their beginnings and tells how each person became a member of the group. From the outside it looks like an easy road for Diamond Rio. However, after reading this book one can clearly see that this was not the case. I was very impressed by the way they have handled all the trials that have come their way as a group.

For more information go to http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781595552686