Book Review: "The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister"

I just had the delight of reading The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister by Linda Ravin Lodding, and illustrated by Suzanne Beaky.  It’s a beautiful picture book with bright, bold illustrations and clever text.  It addresses the issue of over commitment in a head-on fashion, but it’s comical tone makes for a great character-building book.  I giggled aloud when I read the character’s names to my 5-year old daughter – Clay Lumpkin teaches a sculpting class, Pearl Stitchem teaches knitting, and my favorite was thte karate instructor Grand Master Hi Ya.

Like so many parents I know, Ernestine Buckmeister’s parents have her best interests in mind when they fill her calendar full of fun, engaging and active after school fun – helping her live life to the fullest.  But Ernestine’s one silent wish is to just stay home to play.  She longs to jump on the trampoline, giddy-up like a cowboy and bounce a ball.  The only problem is that her schedule allows no time for such frolicking.

One day Ernestine bucks the calendar, to pursue her own day of fun.  She and her nanny have the best day ever, wandering through the park imagining shapes in the clouds, building forts and making daisy crowns.  When her parents finally catch up with her, Ernestine respectfully and bravely admits her desire to slow down and have time to be a kid without following the calendar.   She helps the whole family discover how to make every moment count by discovering life without regimenting every minute of life.

This book is packed full of character lessons around goal-setting, communication, integrity, social skills, time management, planning, decision-making, and family relationships.  It’s a great tool for teachers, counselors, librarians and parents.

Your child might also enjoy some of the activities that Lodding has developed to accompany the story:
Ernestine coloring page
Help Ernestine Get to the Park Maze
Ernestine Word Search

Preview the entire book here.

Learn more about the book, illustrator and author here.

Buy the book here.

Enjoy reading, and I hope you are able to take time to ponder how YOU can live life to the fullest.

Blessings,

12 Efficiency Tips in the Kitchen - repost from Passionate Homemaking

I've been following Lindsey's blog for several years now.  She has so many good tips for Christian moms!!  Check out one of her recent posts titled: 12 Efficiency Tips in the Kitchen.  And read more at

Passionate Homemaking.com.

Healthy Snacks!

Are you looking for healthy snacks for you and your kiddos? 

Check out this post written by Michele of Frugal Granola:

Simple Snacks for Busy Mamas

And you'll find more ideas in the comment section of her post!

Happy munching,

Christian Fiction - Karen Kingsbury's series on the Baxter Family

I love to read, and I'm always on the hunt for good books - books that are entertaining, but also books that fill my mind with good things.

Karen Kingsbury has written a great christian fiction series about the Baxter family.  The stories revolve around the Christian Kids Theater.  Each book has lessons regarding faith, family, character, community...  If you're looking for quality christian fiction, check these out:
Redemption series - The first series featuring the Baxter family.
Redemption, 2002
Remember, 2003
Return, 2003
Rejoice, 2004
Reunion, 2004
Firstborn series - the second series featuring the Baxter family.
Fame, 2005
Forgiven, 2005
Found, 2006
Family, 2006
Forever, 2007
Sunrise series
The third series featuring the Baxter family.
Sunrise, 2007
Summer, 2007
Someday, 2008
Sunset, 2008

What Are You Praying for Your Child’s New School Year? (repost from faithful provisions)

Kelly at Faithfulprovisions.com just shared a guest post by Rebecca Ingram Powell at Mom Seriously.  I was inspired and encouraged when I read her thoughts about praying for our children and our schools.  I hope you'll like the article too!

What Are You Praying for Your Child’s New School Year?