A Must Have Children's Book :: "Daddy Flies"

How many of you are ready for a book your kiddos will love?!

I was recently scouted out by a blogger who stumbled upon my page.  She asked if I would read the book "Daddy Flies", a book she wrote and had published.  At first, I was concerned about committing because we have been in between moves so much that I rarely have time to post.  Then I gave it a second thought and agreed!  Boy am I glad I reconsidered!!

"Daddy Flies" is a book about a little girl named Katie who quizzically wonders how it is exactly that her daddy can 'fly'.  She comes up with many different theories until she uses her surrounding context clues to piece together that her daddy has a very important job, he's a pilot!

This story is incredibly kid friendly.  The author, Brye Butler Steeves, wrote it with a particular audience in mind - kiddos!  This book is an incredible resource to use whether you're a teacher, a parent, or a person who works with children of Armed Service Members.  The rhythm of the story is beautiful.  Like Brye, the military spouse in me (though we are Army) can relate!  My husband is gone a lot too and when Lilianna begins talking, I imagine she will ask the very same questions like the main character, Katie.

Daddy Flies can be found on Amazon for only $8.99!! (Click the link to be taken directly there)

Trust me when I say this is a must have for your reading collection! I have only had this book a short week and I have read it to Lilianna three times!!


God Bless RachJ

The Great Journey to the Pacific Northwest (We are not Lewis and Clark...)

Hello out there in Blogger land!

How long has it been since I posted?!  Definitely not as long as the previous time (which is a positive thing).

We finally arrived from our 'hundreds and hundreds' of miles cross country move via Augusta, Georgia to Fort Lewis, Washington.  Many of you readers can relate, especially in regards to having an infant in tow.  That was a precious journey, that I'm sure a plane ride will cure the next move'round.  We saw so many beautiful sites along the way, including many national monuments.

Lilianna is Superman, for a second, outside a rest stop in Metropolis, Illinois

Lilianna and I outside of the Arch in St. Louis

Blake, Lilianna, and I at Mount Rushmore

Once we arrived in Washington, we were beat!  We took a few days to visit a few places, like:
Pike Place Market
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Seattle
Steilacoom
Tacoma
Baja Fresh (for Blake!)

Most notably, one of the best views any resident, and visitor for that matter, has the pleasure of seeing on a daily basis is Mount Rainier!

(photo courtesy of Haley Smith)

Just a few more exciting things we have had happen while here, so far:

• We stayed in lodging for approximately 52 days, and now feel sorry for people who have to stay longer than a week.
• I FINALLY landed my first teaching job!  I teach a class of 30 wild, but outstandingly talented fifth graders!!!
• Lilianna has hit quite a few milestones: crawling, standing, gliding, first tooth, many noises, bumps and bruises, first foods, and formula
• Haley moved with us and she found a job in no time (two jobs actually) and has also made quite a few new friends who have made her feel incredibly comfortable while being in a new place!
• Lastly, Blake and I decided to buy our own home .... sometimes you never know where life will take you but with your loved ones by your side the journey is 100% worth it!!

God Bless RachJ