Summer Readers...and books you may enjoy

We did it.  After years of avoiding our library's summer reading program, we eagerly signed up for it this year!  

Four years ago we did our own  summer reading program at home with low stress and great success , but this is the year to go with our library's program.  Here's why:

1) The kids are old enough to do their own record keeping.  No more of my scrawling a list of books on a wrinkled reading log (x5) on our way out the door to the library. Nope. Everyone is responsible for their own. 

2) Our library's reading program this year requires the kids to keep track of how long they read, not how many books they read.  I love that this encourages my kids to read books based on interest, not length.

3) One of my kids resists reading for pleasure, but a little outside incentive is motivation for him to read without prompting.

4) Ben (7) and Alaine (5) don't remember ever participating in a summer reading program.  It's a new, easy, and cheap thrill.  

5) I've been reading scads of picture books with Alaine and Macie (and whoever else wants to peek over my shoulder).  I shared my favorites here, here, here, here and here.  We might as well get credit for all that reading! 

*****

A few summers ago, I published a free eBook with ideas of books to read aloud to your kids over the summer.  These are also great choices for independent reads.  (I have one kids who reads voraciously and a list like this helps me keep good literature in his hands.)

Click here to get your copy of  the Summer Reading Guide For Families.

One last thing: if you enjoy my book recommendations...or if you don't...can you take just 1 minute to answer these 2 questions so I can better suit your needs on my blog and on my Facebook page?

Click here to answer the survey.

The Hands of Time

I began blogging in April of 2008--  eight years ago this month!!  

When I mentioned on my blog's Facebook page last week that next year I'll have one kid in high school, Heather, a long-time blog reader and friend. said she still thought of Gavin and Maddie as chubby-cheeked babies.

Honestly, sometimes I do, too. When I began blogging, Gavin was 5, Maddie was 3, and Owen was 20 months.  Only three of our six kids had been born! 

But children grow and I look at them now and wonder when it happened.

a new eBook

A few weeks ago I took a blogging break to work on a special project and today I'm excited to announce that on Monday, November 3 my new eBook will be available for free download on my blog! 

On Facebook

Did you know that my blog has a Facebook page where I share photos, ask questions, and expand what I write about on the blog. It's a place that is less one-sided and more conversational. I love that!

What could you be missing?

We discussed 2 kids books that are being adapted into movies for the theater this fall.  

I have my doubts about one of them.

After this post on the blog, we talked sandwich ideas on Facebook.

Then I posted a photo of this which my kids have requested again.

Here is another alternative.

I shared this photo when I came home from the library and asked which one I should start first. 

(I went with the one on top!)

It's not all about books. I came late to the party on a favorite TV show and now I'm binge-watching because I'm hooked. 

I'm up to Season 4 now.

And this was my most-viewed Facebook status ever!

I would love to see my community grow so we can have more conversations like the ones we've had this summer:

Today is my 34th birthday and tonight I plan to post a photo of what one of my kids is doing as a special treat for me!

The 2014 Bits and Pieces Reader Survey

My blog has been saturated with book recommendations this summer!  From the Summer Reading Guide to a list of books my elementary-age kids read on their own time to books we're reading together on our summer break to books we use for math instruction,  it's been on the blog since June.

If you'd like short and mostly random book suggestions, you should consider liking my Facebook page, too, where I link to specific books that caught our attention and sometimes share photos of the crazy-tall stacks we bring home from the library.

Today, though, I want to know about my readers.  Who are you and what do you like to read about here on my blog? I would love if you would take a moment to fill out this brief and anonymous reader survey! 

The Social Media Party Prize Package

On Friday, I shared the details of my social media party that is happening tonight!  (For all the details, click here.)  Be sure join me tonight at 9 pm ET on my Facebook page and you can have a chance to win one these great prizes. 

1) single print of your choice from All Our Days Etsy shop

Allyson is a close personal friend and fellow mom of five.  Her shop is filled with fun, colorful, printable wall art.  I'm partial to this one because it features my favorite color, but as the winner, you can choose any single print that you like.

2) running medals display rack in gray (different color than the photo) from Running on the Wall Etsy shop

Maybe you run for exercise and this would be handy for displaying your finishing medals. Or maybe the only time you care to run is when you are late to church.  This could still be handy as a key or hat rack.

3) pair of emergency contact shoe tags from Visual Resources Etsy shop

Any runner or walker could benefit from shoe tags.  Lace them onto your shoes and in the case of an emergency, your contact info is visible. 

4) one hardback copy of The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

This was the best book I read in 2013.  I'm excited to gift a copy to one of my readers!

5) one copy of Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic

This is another excellent book.  Not just for moms of young children, this book is relevant to moms of all ages.  (You can read my longer review here.) It would be an excellent shower gift, too.

Join Me Monday Night

On Monday night at 9 pm ET, I will be hosting my first social media party on my Facebook page.

Here is how it will work.  At 9 pm I will kick off the party with an introduction question.  Anyone who comments will automatically be entered to win a prize.  Approximately every 10 minutes, I'll ask another question and anyone who comments will be entered to win a different prize.  At the end of the hour, I'll announce the winners! 

I'll share photos of the prize package on my blog on Monday morning, but I can tell you that there will be at least one prize for each of these categories:

• women
• readers
• walkers/runners
• moms

You do not need to Like my page to attend the party, but if you have a good time, I'd love it if you decide to join the community!

I'll put out another reminder on Monday morning.  
In the meantime, would you consider spreading the word?

Details of a Giveaway

If you are part of my Facebook community, you already know about the pop-up giveaway that I am planning this week. If you aren't a part of the community, why don't you join us?

Sometime between now and Friday, I'll be hosting a pop-up book giveaway.  When I announce the giveaway on Facebook, leave a comment on that post to be entered for a chance to win. If you click like on that post, you will earn a second entry. 

That's not all, though.  You can begin earning bonus entries now by referring friends to my Facebook page.  If you refer a friend and they mention your name in a comment on any status, you receive an extra entry! 

The Facebook Community

You may have noticed during my 31 Days series in October that I mentioned my new Facebook community. 

I created the Bits and Pieces From My Life Facebook page as an extension of my blog. Links to all of my blog articles are automatically posted on my Facebook page, saving you the hassle of checking for new content and guaranteeing you don't miss a post!  

In addition, I add content to my Facebook page that doesn't fit into my regular blogging content, things like: 

• Amazon deal or coupon codes or  for products that have benefited our family 
• links to articles that have spoken to me
• pictures of my kids
• other fun photos (like a  photo I posted in October of the day's library haul)

I'm contemplating the idea of a social media party.  I would set the day and time and we would all gather at my Facebook page for a short time of chatting and giveaways.  (Have you ever attended a social media party?  Would you be interested in attending?)

I'd love to have you join my community.  (What would like to see on my Facebook page?)

I'd love for you to tell your friends, too! 

You Question, I'll Answer

I do this every year in February and it's become a tradition I love!  I ask you to ask me questions. 

Your questions can be easy or complex, silly or serious.  You can ask about my kids, my plans for the future, about running, about school, what we do on the weekends, or what my favorite color is! In the past, I've answered questions about breastfeeding, how I met my husband, how I transition my kids to big beds, and whether I prefer coffee or tea!  

Last year,  your questions even helped me launch my "How Do You...?" series.

So...ask away! What would you like to know this year?

2012: A Blogging Year in Review

January
I started the year with a bang, getting my wisdom teeth removed:
"Losing My Wisdom"

***

February
I kicked off my "How Do You...?" series with
"How Do You...Store Puzzles?"

and
We got a dog:
"Finn's Story"

***

March
I shared a few easy ways that we stretch the life of our kids' clothes:
"5 Ways To Make Little Girl Clothing Last Longer"


***

April
I gave a basic outline of our day in "A Day in the Life... of Me"

and
I gave ideas for nature study with young children:
"Simple Nature Study"

***

May
I began my chronological history book lists with
"The American Revolution (by the books)"

and
our family got another pet:
"Have I Mentioned We Have a Cat?"

***

June
I discussed why we've chosen to take summers off:
"Why I Take a Summer Break From School"

***


July
We made our second trek to the beach:
"#2" 

***

August
We started school again... a day late... and took a few photos:
"School Pictures"

plus
I talked about how we handle questions about our larger than average family:
"How Do You...Deal With Comments About Your Family?"

***

September
We went on vacation!
"A September Vacation in Photos" 

and
I re-fashioned Alaine's polka dot dress once again:
"Round Two of the {Autumn} Dress"


***

October
 I spent 31 Days talking about how I have fun with my kids without losing my cool. 
I had the most comments on this post:
"Shapes For Lunch" 


***


November
We had guests in our home every couple of days...and had a blast!
"November Hospitality" 


***

December
I summed up what I had read throughout the year:
"What Are You Reading? Year Wrap Up"

Do you have a favorite blog post that you wrote...or read... in 2012? 

I'd love to read it!  And, yes, self-promotion, is okay!

31 Days, 31 Smiles {Day 31}: In Conclusion

This month has come to a close and there are still ideas I want to share about having simple fun with your kids without stress!  Perhaps I'll continue to share FUN ideas and tips in the next few months throughout my regular posts because November and December, while full of holiday joy, can also deliver their share of "losing your cool" moments. 

Today, though, I have the pleasure of announcing the SIX winners of my "Having Fun Without Losing Your Cool" Giveaway! 

The winner of the Custom Kids Sewing Card Set donated by Nicoletta Leonardo Design is  Kayla!  The winner of Ramona the Brave and Biscuit Finds a Friend is    Brooke! 
The winner of A Busy Bag Bundle donated by Allyson @ All Our Days is    Tee! 
The winner of the Magnet Puzzle donated by Jess Fabulous Designs is    Donna Jessica! 
The winner of Set of Sidewalk Chalk donated by Extra Money For Mommy is   Laura!
The winner of the Felt Rainbow Puzzle is    Tiffany! 


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


And in case you missed anything this month, here is an index of this month's topics. 
(Click on the light blue words and the post will open in a new window.)

{Day 1}: an Introduction
{Day 2}: Identify the Craziness
{Day 3}: Shapes For Lunch
{Day 4}: How Do You...Aside Time For Fun?
{Day 5}: Having Fun at Bath Time
{Day 6}: Getting the Wiggles Out Before Bed
{Day 7}: Sunday Meditations
{Day 8}: Do Something Unexpected
{Day 9}: Nature Scavenger Hunt (with free PDF file to make your own Nature Treasures bag)
{Day 10}: Having Fun At School Time
{Day 11}: How Do You...Find Time For Your Own Fun?
{Day 12}: Couch Potatoes
{Day 13}: Happy Food
{Day 14}: Sunday Meditations
{Day 15}: a FUN Giveaway (closed)
{Day 16}: Having Fun When Daddy is Away
{Day 17}: Easy and Seasonal Crafts
{Day 18}: How Do You...Do Crafts With Multiple Kids?
{Day 19}: Simple Canvases
{Day 20}: Having Fun While You Work
{Day 21}: Sunday Meditations
{Day 22}: Getting YOU Involved
{Day 23}: Fun And Silly Reading
{Day 24}: Playing With Rice
{Day 25}: How Do You...Find Places For Children's Artwork?
{Day 26}: Rainy Day Fun
{Day 27}: YOUR Fun Photos
{Day 28} Sunday Meditations
{Day 29} Magazines
{Day 30} These Are A Few of My Favorite Comments


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Now that my series is over, I may have a few spare moments to read a few others'.  Are there any 31 Days series that you read and recommend? 

31 Days, 31 Smiles {Day 30}: These Are A Few of My Favorite Comments

I loved all the feedback from my readers this month!  Today I'm sharing some of my favorite comments from throughout the month, hoping that you gain encouragement, too! 


On tidying the house together...

Babychaser@ Chasing Babies...Growing in Grace said,  "Something I've tried recently is a race... not the usual kid pit against kid race, but them against me. Sometimes it's 'see if you can get the living room picked up before I have lunch made' or 'dishes done' or whatever. The kids think it is great fun and I don't have to keep reminding them to be helping."


Joanie@Thankful Every Day said, "I used the race method too and also found that picking up 9 things 9 times (since you are 9) was perceived as fun, except for me! Thirty-two, forty-six, and fifty things fifty times just loses its appeal!"



Jenna@ Delighting in Today said, "My living area {and since we have an open floor plan that includes living room, family room, dining room, foyer} was looking very "child-loved" just 15 minutes ago. I wanted it picked up, and I remembered your super-sonic cleaning. I set the timer for 15 minutes and told the boys it was super-sonic and to go as fast as they could. I did the same {but maybe not at their same crazy pace!}. They LOVED it!!!! In probably about 10 minutes all of those areas were picked up! YAY! Something that might normally drag on for quite awhile was done at super-sonic speed, and this is one happy mama and two happy boys. :) Had to pop in an tell you that we LOVED that idea and it worked great for us! Thanks!"




On crazy days...

Joy@Joy in the Morning said,  "When a day is starting to go truly off the rails before the craziness of the dinner hour-- the benefit of stopping for 'tea time' aka milk & cookies for the kids and something yummy for mommy to drink too!"

Allyson@All Our Days said, "I'm also grabbing the minutes as they're available. I have to remember that if I wait to get absolutely everything done, I'd be waiting until our home is an empty nest."

On planning a surprise...

Jessica@Quirky Bookworm said, "Once, a few weeks ago, we got Eleanor all ready for bed, and then to her surprise, popped her pajama-clad self into the stroller, gave her a flashlight, and went for a stroll around our dark neighborhood. It was only about a 15 minute walk, so it didn't delay bedtime much, but she thought it was the best thing ever."




On bath time...

Hannah@Supermommy!...or Not said, "My kids love it when I blow bubbles for them while they're in the bathtub."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In tomorrow's post,  I'll announce the winners of the "Having Fun Withouth Losing Your Cool" Giveaway, and share my final thoughts. 

31 Days, 31 Smiles {Day 22}: Getting YOU Involved

I have a FUN proposition for you, my readers.  Would you e-mail me a photo of your kids (or grandkids) having fun?  Better yet, send me a picture of you having fun with your kids ! I want real photos of real people having everyday fun.  Maybe you tried something I suggested.  Maybe you had your own idea.  No matter, on Saturday, I'm going to feature YOUR photos! 

When you e-mail me, include the words FUN PHOTOS in your subject line.  In the body of your e-mail, take a minute to tell me if you'd like your photo to link somewhere (your blog, your Facebook account...). 

I'm looking forward to sharing your fun moments! 

Why not take a moment to sign up for my "Without Losing Your Cool" giveaway if you haven't already? 6 prizes. 6 winners. 6 entries.

Blog Survey Results

A couple of weeks ago, I asked you to fill out a brief survey.  Do graphs and pie charts thrill you like they do me? 

Oh...well, maybe not...but in case you think they're pretty neat (like I do!), here are the results of the survey for your viewing pleasure. 

What is your gender?

                How old are you?

               How many kids do you have?

Do you have a blog?
	Yes! 17 50% No. I read blogs, but I don't write. 10 29% Kind of. I have a blog, but I rarely update it. 7 21%

What do you enjoy reading about on Bits and Pieces From My Life?
What is your favorite thing to read about on                          Bits and Pieces From My Life?      How often do you read my blog?

Bits and Pieces Reader Survey

How Do You... Find Time To Blog?

How you keep on GOOD blogging? {submitted by Kathi} 

How do you find time to do all the important things and still blog? I've been staying up late to do the little I've done and I know there must be a better way. {submitted by Allyson}

This is a tough question for me to answer for several reasons.  

1. It's hard to answer because I've gone through many phases of blogging-- phases where I have very little extra time and consider giving up blogging altogether... phases where I agonize over every little post and wonder if I should post more frequently or less frequently...and phases like the one I'm in now where I post often because I have ideas and I have a bit of free time.   I know firsthand the struggle to find where blogging fits into the job of mothering and caring for a household.  I also know that each of our situations is unique and that my schedule may not be your schedule, and my convictions, not your convictions. 
   
2. It also hard to answer because I'm a night owl and I do sometimes stay up late blogging so if you are looking for a "better" way, you might not find it from me!   I'm not sure if it is because I naturally don't need hours and hours of sleep to function or because my body has adapted after many years of waking for nursing babies, but either way, I am able can go to bed at midnight and wake when the alarm rings at 6:45 with little problem.  I guess maybe I'm a morning person, too. 

My days are busy, busy, busy, and my nights are restful and restorative. I've set a computer standard for myself during the day.  I check my e-mail after breakfast and I check it again sometime in the afternoon, but all other fun online work occurs at night after the kids are in bed.  That means that I have all day to devote to the important things-- school, running errands, reading storybooks, playing peekaboo, preparing meals, washing dishes, cuddling, mending clothes, folding towels-- so that by the time I put the kids to bed at 8 or 9 o'clock, the house is in order. 

Of course, I occasionally fold a load of laundry "after-hours" and I always wait to start the dishwasher right before I go to bed, but as a general rule, my evenings are free of housework and open to leisure activities.  This could all change if we have another baby or extra activities are added to our daily schedule, but in this season right now, it's the way things work.

As far as my frequency of blogging, I used to struggle to post more than a couple of times a week.  I'm a slow writer and it took time to get my thoughts typed out.  In October, I took on the challenge of posting for 31 Days in a row on the same topic.  During the month, writing became a habit and ever since, my ideas and words have flowed more easily. 

It may sounds silly, or maybe not, but if you have concerns about your blogging habits or you have a passion to write yet can't seem to find the time or inspiration, PRAY ABOUT IT.  Ask for wisdom, ask for clarity, and ask for ideas.  He will meet you where you are. 

How do you find time to blog regularly?  Let us know in the comments! 
If you have a question for a future "How Do You...?" post, share that in the comments, too.        

Catching Up

On Saturday night, nine evenings ago, our computer caught a virus.  It was quite a nasty one, one that wouldn't even allow us access to our word processing files or photos.  Last Monday morning we took her in to the computer doctor for a check-up, but I guess January is sick-season for technology, too, because it was a full week before they were able to attend to the repairs.   This morning, the sick computer came home well!  She is chipper and ready for use again. 

Aside from one thing I had auto-posted last week, my blog had a quiet week, but the non-technological side of our lives went on as usual. 

• We almost adopted a puppy from the Humane Society.  We fell in love with a 8-week-old black lab puppy and his siblings, but other applications went through before ours did.  Brian and I have been secretly puppy-scouting since right after Christmas, but this was the first time the kids were aware of it.  Now Maddie is more anxious than ever to bring home a puppy companion.
  
  
  
• I started the 30 Day Shred * (for toning, more than weight loss).  The first day I realized how hopelessly out of shape I am.  My muscles were so sore it hurt to move. The second day I flat out hated the whole DVD.  By the third day, my body wasn't as sore and  I noticed my endurance was slightly better.  I have only committed to completing seven days and when that is over, I'll think about thirty.  
  
   
• I started keeping a book log again.  It is quite rudimentary, consisting of a scribbled list in a spiral notebook with the date completed penciled in the margin.  I surprised myself by completing six books in the month of January.  (That doesn't count the 6-book Samantha series that I read aloud to the kids!)    
  
   
• We started back to school on February 1st after a 6-week break.  Brian still has three more weeks before he is back to work, but it was time for us to resume.  We are learning about Teddy Roosevelt and the early 1900s.  
  
     

I'm glad to be back!  I'll be making the rounds to your blogs over the next few days and getting caught up with how you spent the past nine days. 

*post contains Amazon affiliate links