Book Review: Clockwork Princess

Clockwork Princess

by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess is the third book in the Infernal Devices trilogy written by Cassandra Clare. All three books take place near London during the late 1800s. Tessa Gray is caught in a love triangle between James (Jem) Carstairs and Will Herondale (*swoons*), but love isn't Tessa's biggest problem. She must stay away from the Magister. If he manages to get what he wants from Tessa, he may succeed at destroying the Shadowhunters forever.

I'd like to take a moment to give my niece Shelby a great.big.THANK.YOU. She suggested that I read this trilogy, and I am so glad that I did. Books 1 and 2 - Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince - were good reads, too; but I gotta tell ya' - Clockwork Princess was absolutely fantastic. I did not want this book to end, but when it did I was completely happy and satisfied with the ending.

Why did I enjoy this book so much? I think the setting had a lot to do with it. I've read another book from this time period that I truly enjoyed - The Night Circus. I'm thinking I should check out more books taking place in the late 1800s. Another thing in common was the fantasy genre. I didn't think fantasy would be my "thing" - though, I did devour the Harry Potter series - but the Fire and Thorns trilogy completely changed that for me. (You should most definitely check out that trilogy - whoa!)

- becky

A Classic

Isaiah and Mallory are so cute! It is so much fun watching them enjoy a movie I remember watching as a child. Our kids are - thankfully - not the biggest TV watchers, but they really seem to be enjoying Dumbo. 

- becky

Weird Animals (A.K.A. Vacation Bible School)

Vacation Bible School has been an all new experience for us this year. Isaiah and Mallory are definitely growing up...it's been quite obvious to us as parents this week. Tim and I have been so amazed by how much our children are now participating independently* in the games, Bible stories, and craft activities. I will admit that this independence in our offspring has been nice, but I think the word bittersweet describes the feeling best. 

This year's theme was Weird Animals. Along with a different stories from the Bible, we also learned about some kids who have been through difficult times - Autism (close to home!), bullying, cancer, and more. 

Outdoor Activities and Games was first on our schedule each night. Here is Mallory fishing with her feet:

Our second VBS stop was Bible storytime. 

Before the closing songs, our last station was Arts & Crafts.

- becky

* Don't get me wrong...our family has had our fair share of "I'm tired" or "Make a better choice" moments just like anyone else!

First Few Days

The first few days of summer break are always the best. It feels like the fun, relaxation, and down time will last forever.  While I love teaching, I truly appreciate some time off where my To Do List consists of focusing on my children and some neglected organizational needs around the house. 

Yesterday, Mallory wrote a story while I was on the treadmill. I'm really proud of her emerging writing skills!

"Once there was an owl in a tree."

Mallory wanted very much to read her story to Savannah.

A fun task...set-up the swimming pool! We upgraded from 22 inches to 30 inches deep this year.  :) Just the right size for Isaiah and Mallory to be able to splash around while Tim and I relax on the patio. I'm hoping I'll be able to find a small raft to float on instead of just sinking to the shallow bottom.

When Mom is a teacher, the poor kids will have to spend some time this summer keeping up their reading, writing, and math skills. (More on this in a future post!)

Even as summer is just beginning, my mind is already thinking ahead to the next school year. I hope that I am able to find a balance between relaxation, fun, and productivity. Here's to hoping my summer plans are not interrupted by a failing sump pump...like they were last year. :/

- becky

Summer of 2014

Finally. It's summer. I feel as though we've waited forever. It's finally here, and I am ready to embrace some relaxation time.

New seasons always bring new goals for me. Here goes...

• Get the kids registered for Fizz, Boom, READ! at the public library
• Of course, register myself for Literary Elements (the summer reading program for adults), also at the public library
• Set an alarm (I know, I'm awfully ambitious.) and get up before everyone else in the house to get on the treadmill
• BLOG (Here I am! Working on this goal already! Woo Hoo!)
• Take pictures of my family and all of our summer fun with a real camera...such better quality than just using my iPhone all the time!
• Keep Isaiah going with math and reading to prevent summer regression
• Stuff for school - oh, this list is long...
• Regular classroom set-up
• Reviewing first units of math and reading
• Find (and actually make) some fun new ideas - for decoration and learning - from Pinterest

Oh, and Mallory wants me to teach her how to read. :)

Happy Summer!

becky