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?!

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:

• 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

Along with the good, there are some that end up at the bottom of the list:

• 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. :)