Friday, September 21, 2007

Updates

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging for a few days. This has been a crazy week! I wanted to bring some updates, though . . .

1. Max is here!! Kari gave birth to a healthy little guy Tuesday, the 18th. I could not be more happy about his birthday. It is the same day as my dad's and that means I will never forget it! Ha ha!!! Click here to see a picture of the happy family. Kari seemed to be in good spirits when I talked to her not long after he was born. She didn't have any horror stories about labor, even though she said it was harder than she thought it would be. We are so happy for them! ***Edit: Wouldn't you agree that this little face is just to die for? What a cute nephew I have!! Just wait until he gets big enough for his wolf suit and goes out to make mischief!***

2. In case you didn't find it, my dear friend Jill has a blog now! Many of you who know her have discovered it, but I also want to point out that Jewel and Johanna do as well! These 3 sisters were my pastor's daughters growing up. I love the way the blogging world can keep us all up to date! Please stop by and tell them hello, if you have the chance.

3. I am putting together a list of resources for a friend who is looking for books that build character. Specifically, she wants to find books for her little girl that aren't just fluff and princessyness -- especially as she gets older. I do have a bunch of ideas, but I thought I'd throw it out there to see if you all have recommendations for me. They don't have to be for a girl, or for any particular age. Thanks!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your nephew Max!

I have some ideas for character-building books.

1. The Miller Family Series by Mildred A. Martin is excellent. We have read "Wisdom and the Millers" and "Missionary Stories with the Millers." There is also "Storytime with the Millers" for pre-schoolers.

2. My boys liked three character-building books by Raymond and Dorothy Moore. The three are "Quit? Not Me!" about dependability, "Guess Who Took the Battered-up Bike" on kindness, and "Oh, No! Miss Dent is Coming to Dinner" on manners.

3. Recently we've been reading the "Arby Jenkins" series of Christian novels by Sharon Hambrick. We started with Book 1 and are currently reading Book 3. The books are geared for 9- to 12-year-olds as they deal with middle schooler's issues of playing ball, going to camp, and starting junior high. The books are filled with humor and sound advice for that age group.

Gretchen said...

MR -- I KNEW I could count on your input! Thanks, friend! Any others are welcome. ~Gretchen

Anonymous said...

what a cutie cutie!!!! Wolf suit?! Yikes! Don't tell Emily! LOL! Does he really have one? Congratulations to them!

Anna

Gretchen said...

Anna,

Well the wolf suit is still in the planning stages as it were. I'm waiting to present it once he has reached the age of adorable mischief and all of his Lukas-and-Kari-like attributes emerge. At that point, he will be ready for his wolf suit like the boy in Where the Wild Things Are. I am pretty sure even Emily will think it is cute if he runs around in white footy pajamas with a long fluffy wolf tail and ears and claws. I know I certainly won't mind.

jillybean said...

He is really precious! And those cheeks, you just want to kiss 'em!

Anonymous said...

I like the Mandie series personally, but maybe that's because I grew up with them. They were good because in each book somoene always presented the gospel, which I like in a Christian fiction...showing kids how to witness Christ.

Emily said...

I would probably think it was pretty cute, but let's be sure and call it his "woof" suit, shall we? It makes it a lot less scary. He's very very very cute, I can't wait to see him in person!
-emily♥

Anonymous said...

oh mah word Emily! HAHAHA! WOOF!?

Perfect, although, a swishy tail. . .claws. . . eeeee. scary

Anna

Name: Karen said...

Does you friend want specifically Christian books?

My girls (11 & 12) like the Dear America series and some others, but before I reply....wondering if she wanted specifically Christian books.

Karen

Gretchen said...

Karen, no I don't think so. Thanks for the suggestion. I know I'm not only recommending Christian books. I think there is too much great lit out there to be utilized!

Rachel said...

Hi Gretchen,
Thought I'd throw in my two cents to your book discussion. A few great finds that we purchased before leaving the States: Elizabeth George has two beautifully illustrated books for little girls: "A Little Girl after God's Own Heart" and another one whose title slips my mind at the moment. Also there is a good one called "Jesus must be really special" that is great for kids, boys or girls. We have also really been enjoying the Jesus Storybook Bible--just finished reading through it today and will start it over tomorrow! It is so well put together, with an emphasis on the BIG story of the Bible--truly the Bible is the greatest story ever told and Clara Anne has been captivated by it. So there's a few recommendations!

Love to you, Rachel

Teaching Tommy said...

To Morning Rose: Thanks for reading Arby Jenkins! (I was googling myself and found your post. I know, I know...)I hope you like it. Sharon Hambrick