Summer a Time to Read

Our family has been enjoying the slower pace of summer.  One of our favorite things to do is to read.  Because we still have a young one who naps everyday we all have a quiet hour in the afternoon to read and rest.  It is a great time to get some good reading time indoors when it's really hot outside.  We also picked up a few books on tape to take with us while we are traveling in the car.  They kids really have liked this and it makes the travel go by faster.  The great thing about summer is there is many reading incentive programs to help sweeten the reading experience.

1.  Every public library I know of has a summer reading program with fun prizes and give-a-ways.  Check for details at your nearest library.  Our library even has an adult program.
2.  Utah Governors Reading Program.  (last year we got free meals to McDonald's, and Chuck-a-Rama mailed to us after the summer program was complete)  The goal is to read 20 minutes a day.
3.  Utah State Fair 2012 Read and Win Program-The Program is for children ages 6-12 years and they need to completely read 10 books to qualify for a Free admission to the State Fair.  They also get a free ride, and lemonade.

If you know of any other reading programs.  Please post them in comments to share with others.  OK lets find a good book and read today!

Paracord Summer Project

My son, Popcorn, is making and selling Paracord Survival Bracelets.  These have a really nice black clasp on them.  He sells them for $5 a piece.  You can buy a premade one or he can take requests for your favorite color schemes.  The colors are:  lime green, rainbow, pink, purple, dark blue, Pink/Purple Mix.  You can do up to three colors in a bracelet.  They make great gifts.  This is his summer project, if you are interested let me know.

An Eight cow woman deserves an Eight cow man

I got this great book from my Grandma Jean and my husband and I really liked it.  It talks about the important aspects of a trusting relationship.  Have you heard of the Johnny Lingo Story?  I remember watching the video in Sunday School when I was a girl.  Its a beautiful story.  This book takes that idea and makes the 8 cows that Johnny offers 8 essential qualities you need to have to make a strong relationship.  This book can be for married couples, dating or engaged couples, or someone single looking to start a good relationship.  The book is great but you can also get a start by going to the website and signing up for the 8 tips for a successful relationship.  You get one tip a day sent to your e-mail.
A strong relationship between husband and wife can really make your children feel secure, safe and happy. I really hope that for all children so lets all .   I don't think there is anyone that can say they have a perfect marriage.  But I believe we can always work to make our marriages better, how do we do that, we have to do it from within ourselves.  We are the only one that we can change!