The Story of Edgar Sawtelle...

I highly recommend this novel. I just finished it yesterday, among children pounding at my door to get to me.
It's been a long time since I read a book that was this deliciously written! Another tip...spend the money to buy this book in hardcover. You will want to lend it out or keep it around your house for years. This will be a classic for sure.
What surprises me the most is that this is David Wroblewski's first attempt at a novel. Are you kidding?

Props to David!

The basic plot to this novel is young boy, born mute, works with his family to raise special dogs. Don't let this throw you off if you aren't a "dog person" involved with the deaf, or a boy. I'm neither of the three and still thoroughly enjoyed this story, so much I had to post about it.

So if it is not in your budget to go out and purchase a new book, remember you also have the library, friends and papperback swap. Post if you have read this book and let me know what you think.

Enjoy your day! Enjoy your book.

I Love "libros" {books}

By now you should all know how much I love books! I just finished one of the best books I have ever read entitled, "These is My Words". It is a fantastic read. I finished it in 3 days, and with 5 munchkins to make sure that they survive in this world, that was a feat!
Here is a brief summery found at www.goodreads.com

"Inspired by the author's original family memoirs, this absorbing story introduces us to the questing, indomitable Sarah Prine, one of the most memorable women ever to survive and prevail in the Arizona Territory of the late 1800s. As a child, a fiery young woman, and finally a caring mother, Sarah forges a life as full and as fascinating as our deepest needs, our most secret hopes and our grandest dreams. She rides Indian-style and shoots with deadly aim, greedily devours a treasure trove of leatherbound books, downs fire, flood, Comanche raids and other mortal perils with the unique courage that forged the character of the American West."

In honor of my new favorite book, I present to you a coupon from Borders. I get them about once a month. Sometimes they are as good as 40% off a book. I promise to post the next time I get one of those. Here you'll have to settle for 25%.

Just a tidbit of information you probably don't want to know, {hey that is what blogs are all about, right?} Borders has better hot chocolate because they serve Seattle's Best brand coffee instead of Starbucks, like Barnes n Noble. It's delish! For about $2.50 you can get a cup, grab a few books, listen to a live band and enjoy a few hours all by yourself. For only $2.50! What a deal. This is what I used to do in the states when the kids were extra rough on me. :)

Books...

Thanks everyone for your support with our "book find". We need them here desperately!
I'm looking for

for me:
The Last Lecture ( I think that's what it's called)
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
These is My Words

I thought I'd post these just incase someone was willing to let me borrow them. I can get them back to you although it may take quite awhile!

for the ninos:
Any of the Peter and the Starcatchers series. (these are great books)
any in the Crispen series
Junie B Jones
Magic Treehouse

We really will be happy with anything you'd be willing to give. And when they have gone through our family they will get donated here. (unless you mention you would like them back).

Love to all!

The Banagas Fam

What a wonderful "day"...

Today is a wonderful day! T and D start school! Bless this day. We coughed up the money for private school yesterday. All I can say is “ouch!”, that hurt!!!! As if the monthly fee wasn’t bad enough they attach 2 more “outrages” fees just to start. I’ve been home schooling these past 2 weeks; seems like a month. Without Internet access in our “cozy” home, it’s been about impossible. As of last night the Internet has reentered our lives. Whoo hooo!


I will continue to home school Paige and Aiden. He’s just starting to read little words. If anyone has a two year old (or older) I HIGHLY recommend “Leap Frog’s Letter Factory” DVD. It is the best thing I’ve found for learning phonics! You can find it at Target or Wal-Mart. Aiden has known his phonics for awhile now. His cousin Ethan picked them up after a week of watching the movie. It’s worth the $12.00.



As long as I’m recommending things here are two more recommendations I have. I have found the best dentist on the face of this earth. Well, at least in the Inland Empire. His name is Dr. Mohns. He and his staff are amazing. They are happy, and kind and Dr. Mohns is so gentle and careful (and honest) with your teeth. So if you are nervous to go to the dentist, or tired of grouchy staff at your dentist, call his, they are wonderful! He's in Riverside on Tibbits off of Brockton.
(I actually can’t claim I found him, my good friend Christine B. found him first. Way to go Christine!)


And for my final recommendation, a book. “The Peacegiver”. Most of us understand the atonement but when we need to apply it to our lives, do we know how? This book is written in story form so it shows the practical application to the atonement. It is about a severe problem in this man’s life, but even though we aren't going through the same situation, it is a huge benefit to understanding our part in the atonement. When you read it have a pen handy to underline! Great book.