- Ages 0-3: 12 Books
- Ages 4-7: 15 Books
- Ages 8-10: 7 Books
- Ages 11+: 9 Books
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Please Press Pause on Summer
Because of recent life events I am beginning to realize that 100 books in 100 days is somewhat out of reach. June 27th marked 50 days of reading and at the time I had finished 43 books. I am proud of this accomplishment and I'm happy to report that not all of the books read are for the youngest age groups. Here is the breakdown:
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Big News
For anyone who hasn't heard...Drew accepted a job teaching in Green River, Wyoming. He'll be working with 3rd and 4th grade Dragons at a local elementary and he's thrilled for the opportunity. This past weekend we visited Green River to meet with some people at the school as well as hunt for a place to live. We both feel really good about what we saw and are holding onto hope that all will move forward smoothly. We'll be moving at the end of July and we're really looking forward to the adventure this is going to be for the both of us.
Here are a few pictures from the area. It was a little windy when we took the photos so they aren't the best but what's a big news post without photos?!
Here are a few pictures from the area. It was a little windy when we took the photos so they aren't the best but what's a big news post without photos?!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The First 25
On Sunday I completed book number 25. Currently, I am on track to complete the challenge but I am noticing that I haven't been as thrilled with the last few books that I've read. I started to wonder, "Did I really love Bud, Not Buddy as much as I had originally thought?" (It was one of the first) After a few moments of thought I realized that I really did like it. I loved that the writing offered the accent of the south, I loved Bud's thoughts on how to be more successful in life, and I love that it made me laugh out loud.
So, here are a few of my favorites so far, in no particular order:
If anyone is reading the books or my comments, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm really enjoying the sense of accomplishment felt with each book, even if it was written for babies. It's one item I get to mark off in my journey to a larger goal. I'm glad for the opportunity to read books I never would have known about or would have left on the shelf. I'm also enjoying a chance to visit our library more often. A friend from my childhood neighborhood is working there and it's nice to catch her at work once in a while and catch up.
I hope I can keep up with my own challenge while life moves forward. There are big changes coming. :)
So, here are a few of my favorites so far, in no particular order:
- Bud, Not Buddy - for reasons already noted
- The Dot - the illustrations, the repeated theme, the positive outlook
- Frog and Toad Are Friends - a reminder of good friends and the joy associated
- Joyful Noise - it was surprisingly fun to read the poetry and hear two voices work together
- Owl Moon - story of traditions and beautiful illustrations
- Knuffle Bunny - whiny story
- Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. - I may have expected too much because I've enjoyed other titles by Judy Blume
If anyone is reading the books or my comments, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm really enjoying the sense of accomplishment felt with each book, even if it was written for babies. It's one item I get to mark off in my journey to a larger goal. I'm glad for the opportunity to read books I never would have known about or would have left on the shelf. I'm also enjoying a chance to visit our library more often. A friend from my childhood neighborhood is working there and it's nice to catch her at work once in a while and catch up.
I hope I can keep up with my own challenge while life moves forward. There are big changes coming. :)
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
100 Books in 100 Days
Recently I picked up a copy of Scholastic's Parent and Child to thumb through. I was excited by the headline of "100 Greatest Books for Kids" and immediately found the listing to see what made the top ranks. I loved that most of the titles were familiar to me and even better that I have previously read at least a quarter of those listed.
Today I was thinking, "Would it be possible for me to read all 100 this summer?" The answer is no, simply because Harry Potter is on the list. (A topic for another day) But besides that one book, why not? Wouldn't it be fun to accomplish this? The list is already generated and to make it even more achievable 25 of the 100 are written for those 0-3 years of age and could easily be read in one or two days.
Even if I'm not able to read all 99 books by the end of the summer, I could put a large dent in the list. It would be fun if anyone else wants to read some (or all) of the books with me and we can discuss what we like and would they belong in your top 100.
Here's a link to the list I'm referring to: http://www.scholastic.com/100books/
Even if you don't plan on reading them this summer, it's worth a glance.
In an effort to update readers on my progress, but not overwhelm anyone with multiple posts I have created a new tab on our blog. You can click on the tab at the top of our blog roll or you can use this link to read my reviews: http://roskasinlogan.blogspot.com/p/100-books-in-100-days.html.
Today I was thinking, "Would it be possible for me to read all 100 this summer?" The answer is no, simply because Harry Potter is on the list. (A topic for another day) But besides that one book, why not? Wouldn't it be fun to accomplish this? The list is already generated and to make it even more achievable 25 of the 100 are written for those 0-3 years of age and could easily be read in one or two days.
Even if I'm not able to read all 99 books by the end of the summer, I could put a large dent in the list. It would be fun if anyone else wants to read some (or all) of the books with me and we can discuss what we like and would they belong in your top 100.Here's a link to the list I'm referring to: http://www.scholastic.com/100books/
Even if you don't plan on reading them this summer, it's worth a glance.
In an effort to update readers on my progress, but not overwhelm anyone with multiple posts I have created a new tab on our blog. You can click on the tab at the top of our blog roll or you can use this link to read my reviews: http://roskasinlogan.blogspot.com/p/100-books-in-100-days.html.
Monday, May 7, 2012
A picture is worth a thousand words...
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It was a big weekend for the Roska family. Drew graduated from USU and Brad from the U of U.
Way to go!!!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
The Countdown
Old Time, that greatest and longest established spinner of all!.... his factory is a secret place, his work is noiseless, and his hands are mutes. ~Charles Dickens
It used to be that each year we'd tell inquisitive minds, "We'll be done with school in about 2 years." We must have said that phrase for about 3 years in a row. On paper it looked like 2 years of school but life doesn't happen in a certain way just because it's on paper that way.
I think I got so used to the thought of 2 years, that I'm having a hard time grasping that it is now less than a month to graduation. Some might ask, "where did the time go?" Time is noiseless and will pass when you're not looking.
Drew has done a fantastic job and has persevered to the end. I'm so proud of him. Way to go Lover Boy!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
STILL a topic of conversation
It's taken me a long time to get these up and my brother really has better pictures than I do but I have to write about it because it is STILL a topic of conversation at their house.
A few years ago the Roska boys and wifes risked our lives to ice fish at Fish Lake. It was a wonderful trip and we were dieing to go again. So the boys planned another trip but in the end half of them weren't able to get away from work so we had an opening. We were lucky to have Andrew and Ethan join us on the ice.
Brad and Drew were able to drown some worms on Saturday afternoon and caught our dinner. Mmmm.... By the time the Clarks were able to get out on the ice there was time enough for only Ethan to catch one. And his dad, zero.
Sunday it was cold and windy and snowing. We waited for the storm to part and got our gear on but then, wouldn't you know it, the snow came back in full force. As much as the adults wanted to brave it, the most time any of us spent out there was an hour at best. No fish.
Then Monday came and we loaded up the cars and hit the lake again. The fish were well fed over the weekend and weren't biting as hard. I missed a few really good bites. These would have been fish so large they wouldn't have fit through the hole in the ice, but alas, I did not catch any. Ethan did catch one more fish and his dad did not.
Sunday it was cold and windy and snowing. We waited for the storm to part and got our gear on but then, wouldn't you know it, the snow came back in full force. As much as the adults wanted to brave it, the most time any of us spent out there was an hour at best. No fish.
Then Monday came and we loaded up the cars and hit the lake again. The fish were well fed over the weekend and weren't biting as hard. I missed a few really good bites. These would have been fish so large they wouldn't have fit through the hole in the ice, but alas, I did not catch any. Ethan did catch one more fish and his dad did not.
So, I've been told that Ethan will still bring it up in random conversation that he caught 2 fish and his dad didn't catch any. He was born to be a fisherman. Now we need to do some summer fishing so that we can share in the bragging rights.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood...
*Please note that this is written simply as something to think about concerning interactions with others. It is not written as a personal response to any one person’s actions or to attack anyone. If nothing else, it is important for me to write as a reminder to myself as to how I would like to improve my relationships/communications with others.
I thought this was a fitting quote. Sometimes I think people view me as "lost." “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
-- Dalai Lama
I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and today I feel it is important for me to write. Drew and I would like to have children. Anyone who really knows us knows this much. Some people don’t know that we are currently unable to have children of our own. Please don’t confuse this with we will never have any of our own but currently it is not easily achieved. We have not used contraception for five years.
The next question that usually follows this tidbit of news is “How much testing have you done?” Honestly, not much. The first round of blood tests showed everything was normal. That should be a positive thing but instead it was frustrating. So, unlike many, we have not pursued medical testing. I admire those who have. I recognize them as some of the strongest people I know. There is a lot of heartache and not a lot of privacy in the manner. I’m not up for that. Instead, we have patiently waited for the right time to adopt.We continue to wait but in the mean time we do recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives. I know that He is aware of our situation and the only one who fully understands our hearts.
Here is the part I most want to share. In a quiet moment with myself I thought about what I wish someone would say when they learn of our situation. So many women I talk to have plenty of stories to tell about what was said to them, “Oh I know so and so that went through that,” “Here’s how you get pregnant…” or “Well, I have a 2 year old that you can have.” I understand you want to sympathize but right now that so and so that you know and has children now, does not pertain to me. I don’t need your advice on how to conceive, frankly it’s not happening. And realistically I would love to take your rowdy child home with me right now but you’d miss them within a few hours, you know you would.
So what would be a better response? I came to the conclusion that the best thing to say to someone in this type of situation is, “How are you holding up? How are you doing today?” I think it would go a long way to find out if they have a good support system, if they feel like they matter, if they feel like there is someone willing to lend a listening ear.
Some days, including today, I don’t mind our current family status. I love that I spend every day with my best friend and I understand that our demands from school, work, and church callings are taking up enough of our time together. I love that we’ve had time to work on our friendship and “grow up” together and decide on what it is we really want out of life. But of course given the chance I'd still take the additional responsibility/distraction/joy of a child any day.
Other days, it is THE MOST devastating feeling to know that another day, week, month, year has gone by that we have been unable to welcome someone new to our family. That it is more time spent without the joys (and sorrows) that accompany parenthood. That there is an empty void in life that cannot be filled and there is no telling when it will be. Times when I cannot avoid the feelings of longing and heartache because I cannot fulfill my divine mission. Knowing that I may never see the sweet combination of our cutest and quirkiest features. Other days, it's harder than anything I ever imagined in ways I never previously considered.
To sum it up I feel like the reply of “How are you holding up? How are you doing today?” could be applied to many difficult situations. If you hear of someone who is unemployed, diagnosed with illness, facing financial hardship, recently moved away from home, been hurt by someone, potty training a defiant toddler, etc. listen to their story, and then let that be your guide whether to offer sympathy, advice, or nothing more than a listening ear.
I thought this was a fitting quote. Sometimes I think people view me as "lost." “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
-- Dalai Lama
I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and today I feel it is important for me to write. Drew and I would like to have children. Anyone who really knows us knows this much. Some people don’t know that we are currently unable to have children of our own. Please don’t confuse this with we will never have any of our own but currently it is not easily achieved. We have not used contraception for five years.
The next question that usually follows this tidbit of news is “How much testing have you done?” Honestly, not much. The first round of blood tests showed everything was normal. That should be a positive thing but instead it was frustrating. So, unlike many, we have not pursued medical testing. I admire those who have. I recognize them as some of the strongest people I know. There is a lot of heartache and not a lot of privacy in the manner. I’m not up for that. Instead, we have patiently waited for the right time to adopt.We continue to wait but in the mean time we do recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives. I know that He is aware of our situation and the only one who fully understands our hearts.
Here is the part I most want to share. In a quiet moment with myself I thought about what I wish someone would say when they learn of our situation. So many women I talk to have plenty of stories to tell about what was said to them, “Oh I know so and so that went through that,” “Here’s how you get pregnant…” or “Well, I have a 2 year old that you can have.” I understand you want to sympathize but right now that so and so that you know and has children now, does not pertain to me. I don’t need your advice on how to conceive, frankly it’s not happening. And realistically I would love to take your rowdy child home with me right now but you’d miss them within a few hours, you know you would.
So what would be a better response? I came to the conclusion that the best thing to say to someone in this type of situation is, “How are you holding up? How are you doing today?” I think it would go a long way to find out if they have a good support system, if they feel like they matter, if they feel like there is someone willing to lend a listening ear.
Some days, including today, I don’t mind our current family status. I love that I spend every day with my best friend and I understand that our demands from school, work, and church callings are taking up enough of our time together. I love that we’ve had time to work on our friendship and “grow up” together and decide on what it is we really want out of life. But of course given the chance I'd still take the additional responsibility/distraction/joy of a child any day.
Other days, it is THE MOST devastating feeling to know that another day, week, month, year has gone by that we have been unable to welcome someone new to our family. That it is more time spent without the joys (and sorrows) that accompany parenthood. That there is an empty void in life that cannot be filled and there is no telling when it will be. Times when I cannot avoid the feelings of longing and heartache because I cannot fulfill my divine mission. Knowing that I may never see the sweet combination of our cutest and quirkiest features. Other days, it's harder than anything I ever imagined in ways I never previously considered.
To sum it up I feel like the reply of “How are you holding up? How are you doing today?” could be applied to many difficult situations. If you hear of someone who is unemployed, diagnosed with illness, facing financial hardship, recently moved away from home, been hurt by someone, potty training a defiant toddler, etc. listen to their story, and then let that be your guide whether to offer sympathy, advice, or nothing more than a listening ear.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A follow up for Heidi
For whatever reason I feel that I should put this out there.
This day marks 1 year since I ended my "unemployment". I put it in quotations because although I had no gainful employment, I don't feel that I was without work long enough to truly consider it a traditional stint of unemployment. I had quit my previous job in the middle of January. It seemed odd to a lot of people because there weren't a lot of jobs advertised and I didn't have anything lined up. My husband was in school and transitioning from an hourly to a contract position. This meant that after my last paycheck we would be without a sizable deposit for about 6 weeks.
Of course it was a little nerve racking. Stepping into the unknown is always a little frightening. But as hard as it was to say "I'll see you later" to some really good friends I'd made along the way, I was beaming to know that I was no longer...trapped, for lack of a better word. The experience I gained was tremendous and I made dear friends, I was grateful to have the job security we needed when things got hard but beyond that, I was unhappy.
I am grateful to Drew for pushing me to choose something else. I'm grateful to him for working hard so that I didn't need to worry much. I'm grateful that he let me be without a job for a time. It was really nice to stay at home and have dinner prepped when he got home in the evening. It was nice to remember who I am and what I enjoy when I have time to myself. I finished some sewing projects, spent time with some family members, I'm pretty sure I read a book too.
I was surprised and blessed to find a new job in a small amount of time. I am lucky to be where I am and to be surrounded by wonderful people. It has been a joy getting to know them and work with them and talk with them. It surprised me how quickly a year can pass. As in all things it is another manifestation that the Lord loves us and knows His children as individuals.
This day marks 1 year since I ended my "unemployment". I put it in quotations because although I had no gainful employment, I don't feel that I was without work long enough to truly consider it a traditional stint of unemployment. I had quit my previous job in the middle of January. It seemed odd to a lot of people because there weren't a lot of jobs advertised and I didn't have anything lined up. My husband was in school and transitioning from an hourly to a contract position. This meant that after my last paycheck we would be without a sizable deposit for about 6 weeks.
Of course it was a little nerve racking. Stepping into the unknown is always a little frightening. But as hard as it was to say "I'll see you later" to some really good friends I'd made along the way, I was beaming to know that I was no longer...trapped, for lack of a better word. The experience I gained was tremendous and I made dear friends, I was grateful to have the job security we needed when things got hard but beyond that, I was unhappy.
I am grateful to Drew for pushing me to choose something else. I'm grateful to him for working hard so that I didn't need to worry much. I'm grateful that he let me be without a job for a time. It was really nice to stay at home and have dinner prepped when he got home in the evening. It was nice to remember who I am and what I enjoy when I have time to myself. I finished some sewing projects, spent time with some family members, I'm pretty sure I read a book too.
I was surprised and blessed to find a new job in a small amount of time. I am lucky to be where I am and to be surrounded by wonderful people. It has been a joy getting to know them and work with them and talk with them. It surprised me how quickly a year can pass. As in all things it is another manifestation that the Lord loves us and knows His children as individuals.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Red Lobster vs. The Spaghetti Factory
One of the local students wrote a compare and contrast paper so that Drew and I could decide where to celebrate our anniversary. We celebrated 8 years this week and based on what the student wrote we chose to have dinner at Red Lobster.
Coke products, sweet lemonades, and water are options at both locations.
You know bread is a big selling point for me and these cheddar biscuits were yummy!
I think this should have been a selling point mentioned in the paper. How many places offer fresh pepper AND sea salt?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
My Webelo Cub Scouts - (H-Man)
As part of the Communicator Badge the Webelos are asked to write about one of their den meetings for a newsletter, website, or newspaper. Today we are publishing the writings of one we will call H-Man. Enjoy!
"Dear Sister roska,
"Dear Sister roska,
the den meeting were we did different kinds of codes was very fun. we talked about different kinds of codes and how you can make different kinds of codes. Brother roska was there and he told us a story from his mission. He was with his companyin at a restaurant. They were finished there diner and the people working there said hand me your plate so i can clean it. But in a different language that meant hand me your butt so i can clean it. And that is what we did."
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