80 Favorite Children's Books

I apologize beforehand for such a lengthy post, but I couldn't narrow the list down any further. I have the books sorted into younger/older children, but some books are meant to be read over and over no matter how old. Children of all ages enjoy being read to, even once they can read. I left out the true "classics" on this list, and just focused on books that I like.

1. A Chair for My Mother - Vera B. Williams
2. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - Judith Viorst - be sure to check out the other Alexander books.
3. Amelia Bedelia series - Peggy Parish - older elementary children will probably enjoy these books the best, as all of her situations occur from taking phrases literally. Younger children will still enjoy the messes she creates. A good book to read for a mixed-age group.
4. Bedtime for Francis - Russell Hoban
5. Blueberries for Sal - Robert McCloskey
6. Caps for Sale - Esphyr Slobodkina
7. Chrysanthemum - Kevin Henkes - be sure to check out other books by this author!
8. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Ron & Judi Barrett
9. Courduroy - Don Freeman
10. Diary of a Worm - Doreen Cronin
11. Dr. Seuss books - just about every book written by him is entertaining for children. Your tongue may get tangled in knots from re-reading the nonsense words over and over, but your kids will love it.
12. Five Little Peppers and How They Grew - Margaret Sidney
13. Goggles - Ezra Jack Keats
14. Goodnight, Gorilla - Peggy Rathmann
15. Goodnight Moon - Margaret Wise Brown - just go ahead and buy all of MWB's books. You won't regret it. Make sure the books are hardback and strongly bound. I've yet to meet a child who doesn't love hearing her stories read over and over.
16. Happy Birthday, Moon - Frank Asch
17. Harold and the Purple Crayon - Crockett Johnson
18. Henry and Mudge series - Cynthia Rylant - if you liked the adventures of Henry and Risby as a kid, you will love the Henry and Mudge books
19. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff
20. If You... series - various authors - explore what life was like in colonial times, on the mayflower, with various NA tribes, and other historical events. Educational for child and adult alike.
21. Ira Sleeps Over - Bernard Weber
22. Joseph had a Little Overcoat - Simms Taback
23. Leo Lionni - if you like Eric Carle, you will love Leo Lionni.
24. Love You Forever - Robert Munsch - if you have a 1st-3rd grader, they will love reading Munsch's books for themselves. This particular book is serious (and a tear-jerker!), but his other tales are hilarious.
25. Make Way for Ducklings - Robert McCloskey
26. Mercer Meyer's Little Critter series - I think that the older ones are best. The newer ones are still good, but they try too hard to teach a message. These books are great for 1st-3rd graders learning to read books themselves.
27. Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel - Virginia Lee Burton
28. Mouse Paint - Ellen Stohl Walsh
29. My Great-Aunt Arizona - Gloria Houston
30. No, David! - David Shannon - actually, all of the David books are great. David gets into a lot of trouble, however, so little kids might copy what they see and hear.
31. Olivia series - Ian Falconer
32. Pat the Bunny - Dorothy Kundhart
33. Prayer for a Child - Rachael Field
34. Richard Scarry books - these books are filled with so much detail on each page, your child will actually sit down and study the pages. Quietly. You're welcome :)
35. Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl - Kate Waters - a wonderful book to enrich your studies
36. Sheep in a Jeep - Nancy E. Shaw and Margot Apple - the entire sheep series is delightful
37. The 100 Dresses - Eleanor Estes
38. The Flea's Sneeze - Lynn Downy
39. The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein - I know some people criticize this book by trying to assign it an environmental or political message, but I never thought of any of that as a child.
40. The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher - Molly Bang
41. The Little House - Virginia Lee Burton
42. The Little Mouse, the Red, Ripe Strawberry and the Big, Hungry Bear - Don Wood - a great read-aloud
43. The Moffats - Eleanor Estes
44. The Napping House - Audrey Wood
45. The Relatives Came - Cynthia Rylant
46. The Runaway Bunny - Margaret Wise
47. The Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats
48. The Story about Ping - Marjorie Flack
49. The Velveteen Rabbit - Margery Williams - my favorite book as a child. I read this book aloud to my students every year.
50. Toes, Ears, and Nose - Marion Dane Bauer
51. Tomie De Paola books - many of his books have magic mentioned, but I still love his books.
52. Tops & Bottoms - Janet Stevens - this is a wonderful book to use when teaching about plants.
53. Trucks - Donald Crews
54. Value Tale series - Johnson and Pilleggi - this is the series that got me to love reading. Each book is a kid's biography of a famous person and how a specific character trait helped them develop into the adult they were known for.
55. We're Going on a Bear Hunt - Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury - great read-aloud, especially if you get into the sound effects!
56. When I was Young in the Mountains - Cynthia Rylant
57. Where is Baby's Belly Button? - Karen Katz
58. Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak
59. When Marion Sang - Pam Munoz Ryan
60. When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really, Angry - Molly Bang

1. A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal 1830-1832 - Joan W. Blos - excellent if you are studying this time period
2. Anne of Green Gables series - L. M. Montgomery - I personally only like the first 2 books, and the writing style is not for everyone. But if you have a daughter who is a dreamer, she just might find a bossom friend in Anne.
3. Artemis Fowl series - Eoin Colfer - I have only read the first 3 books, so I can't vouch for the entire series. There is some magic (fairies) in the books, so read at your own discretion
4. Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Patterson - don't waste your time on the movie.
5. Bud, Not Buddy - Christopher Paul Curtis
6. Charlotte's Web - E.B. White - read the book before you watch the cartoon. Disreguard the movie.
7. Chronicles of Narnia series - C. S. Lewis - a wonderful read-aloud, especially for children who are good at "seeing" a book in their minds. Focus on the Family radio has a wonderful version on CD. This is a series you can read over and over and glean something new each time.
8. Dear Mr. Henshaw - Beverly Cleary - this book deals with the topic of divorce
9. Encyclopedia Brown - Donald Sobol - perfect for the budding scientist or detective. Enjoyable for boys and girls.
10. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - E.L. Konigsburg
11. Harriet the Spy - Louise Fitzhugh - the book is MUCH better than the movie!
12. Henry Huggins series - Beverly Cleary - buy a good set of these for your son and keep them for the grandkids.
13. Little House in the Big Woods - Laura Ingalls Wilder - I can read this book over and over. The entire Little House series is wonderful, and nothing like the TV show.
14. Marguerite Henry books - perfect for the horse-lover.
15. Number the Stars - Lois Lowry - a moving tale of life in Denmark during WWII. An excellent resource to supplement studies.
16. Ramona Quimby series - Beverly Cleary - buy a good set of these for your daughter and keep them for the grandkids.
17. Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry - Mildred D. Taylor - the entire series (Let the Circle Be Unbroken, The Road to Memphis, Roll of Thunder, and The Land) is a thought-provoking series on what life was like during the 1930s in the South. Some harsh realities are discussed, most suitable for older elementary and junior high.
18. Sarah, Plain and Tall series - Patricia MacLachlan - the first book is an excellent supplement for studies on how the midwest was settled, as well as the harsh realities that faced people in those times. The other books in the series are well-written and enjoyable.
19. The Giver - Lois Lowry - moving and thought-provoking. Parents might want to read this book first, not for young children.
20. The Watsons go to Birmingham - Christopher Paul Curtis - I read this book aloud to my 2nd graders and they understood the story, although older students would get more out of the tale. Be warned that the n-word is used.

Did I leave any of your favorites out?

Ta Da! 100 Things about Me!

1. I have always (with the exception of college) lived in a town that has a military base.

2. I have 1 son and I am perfectly content with having only 1 child.

3. I would be ecstatic if I found out that I was going to have more children.

4. I want to adopt.

5. My favorite colors are lavender and pink.

6. I'm 5'4”, but when I was a kid, my pediatrician told my mom that based on the growth charts, I'd be around 6' when I was grown (think you missed that one, doc).

7. I would like to spend a spring or fall camping at all of the “great” national parks across the U.S.

8. I will freely admit that my worst fashion choice ever was a pair of purple suede high-top shoes. You gotta love the early 90's!

9. I used to have double holes in both ears, but my left 2^nd hole has closed up. I keep debating whether or not to get it re-pierced.

10. I'm adopted and was raised as an only child, although I have a biological sister that I'm in contact with.

11. My worst field trip ever was to a dairy farm when I was in pre-K. A cow pooped on me and when I was taken back to the school van for my extra clothes, I slammed my finger in the door.

12. I ideally like to read a book a day. Now that I'm a mom, I have to settle for 2-4 books a week.

13. I wanted to be a nurse until I realized that I'd have to deal with poop, pee, and dead people. My current profession requires me to deal with two of these things many times a day.

14. I love having short hair, although I am currently planning to let my hair grow until I'm 30. I've never had super-long hair and I figure now's my chance.

15. It bothers me that Christmas and Easter aren't celebrated on their correct days.

16. I will not look into a mirror if the room is dark.

17. I can't read urban legends because I freak myself out.

18. My middle name is after my grandmother.

19. As a child, I longed for a name that could have a nickname.

20. I used to want to be named Cassandra.

21. I really wish that I could get into exercising.

22. I try to not be early to everything and to not let tardy people bug me, but it's hard.

23. I rarely iron, even if it's church clothes.

24. I am very impatient!

25. I like funny/sarcastic t-shirts.

26. I can't stand long fingernails. I keep mine cut as short as possible.

27. I could have eaten Subway's Cold Cut Trio and Joe Muggs' Rice Krispie treats everyday when I was pregnant with BB – those were the only two things I never threw up.

28. I had morning sickness the whole 9 months. I even threw up in between pushing when I was in labor.

29. BB weighed 10.5

30. I had post-partum depression after BB was born.

31. BB had colic every night from 11PM-2AM the first 6 months - DH worked nights at the time.

32. I love Boots No. 7 facial products.

33. I have the same birthday as Michael Jordan and Paris Hilton.

34. My birthday is a big deal to me. It really means a lot to me when people remember my birthday.

35. I go to Outback every year on my birthday and order Ribs on the Barbie with fries and apples.

36. I am left-handed.

37. Chanel No. 5 is my favorite perfume.

38. Baskin Robbins' Rocky Road is my favorite ice cream.

39. I am ¼ Native American.

40. I don't tan, I burn.

41. I can't really enjoy a movie unless I have movie theater popcorn with butter.

42. Queen and Aerosmith are probably my two favorite bands, followed by the Eagles. Yes, I know all three groups are awful. I try to not listen to them, but it's really hard.

43. If I'm walking on a sidewalk, each square has to have the same number of steps

44. I almost continuously try to whistle if I'm concentrating on something. You'd think by now I'd be able to whistle.

45. I like red M&Ms the best.

46. I have a continual soundtrack playing in my head that I usually dance and sing along with. Sadly, this happens even in public.

47. I met DH in college, where he was my biology class lab partner.

48. DH sat next to me in biology because he'd heard that I went to church with a girl that he liked. He figured that I could help him out.

49. I think I helped him out, but not the way that he originally planned.

50. I've always wanted to live in New England, and have never wanted to live in the South. I've spent my whole life in the South.

51. I love coffee, but only if it comes made from a coffee store.

52. I collect Currier and Ives dishes, and Cherry Ames books.

53. As a kid, I took piano, guitar, clarinet, gymnastics, ballet, ceramics, etiquette, voice, and sewing lessons. I only stayed with the piano.

54. I have a near obsession with Dunkin' Donuts coffee.

55. My dream car is a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500.

56. I have had 10 pets. I've since determined that I'm not a pet person.

57. I hate going to the eye doctor and dentist.

58. My dad's maternal side of the family came over on the Mayflower.

59. I wanted to be an astronaut until I saw the Challenger explode.

60. I HATE glitter! I won't keep a card if it has too much glitter on it. When I was a teacher, I never did craft projects that called for glitter.

61. I taught 2^nd grade for 3 years.

62. I don't think I'll ever go back to teaching public school.

63. I'm seriously considering home school.

64. I think that movies can never compare with books.

65. I can't stand to watch horror or suspense movies. My overactive imagination gets the best of me every time.

66. I had an imaginary friend named Kunga until I went to kindergarten. She was from Africa, and her dad was the chief of her village. When I was asked how she came to America, I would say the missionaries brought her back.

67. Shots don't bother me, but I get squeamish about having my blood taken. I think it's the fact that the needle stays in for so long.

68. I've often thought that I would like to have lived in the 1940's.

69. I was the chubby kid with braces and glasses in school who had to go to speech AND physical therapy.

70. I've been told that I don't have much of an accent, despite being from the South.

71. I've had LASIK surgery and it is great!

72. I adore trivia.

73. I think I totally rock at most trivia games.

74. I've always wanted to try karaoke but I don't know if I can sing.

75. I love to sing, but I hate embarrassing myself in public.

76. I think I know the words to every Amy Grant song.

77. My favorite actors are Audrey Hepburn and Paul Newman.

78. Deep Blue Something's song “Breakfast at Tiffany's” got me interested in Audrey Hepburn.

79. I do my best writing on a yellow legal pad.

80. I want to visit Israel and England.

81. I can't stand to hear someone chew their food.

82. I have an irrational fear of butterflies and horses.

83. I am distantly related to both Ethan Allen (the Revolutionary war hero) and Al Capone (the gangster).

84. I have moved over 12 times.

85. DH and I took ballroom dance lessons in college, and I want to take more lessons.

86. My first favorite toy was a stuffed Snoopy that I took everywhere. I called him “Foofee.”

87. I collect vintage “Peanuts” books.

88. I think Unalaska is about the coolest name ever for a place and I want to go there.

89. Some kids play “Barbie gets married.” I reenacted history with my dolls. My favorite was the Spanish Inquisition and Joan of Arc. It's a good thing I wasn't allowed to play with matches.

90. Mountain Dew is my favorite drink when I'm having a bad day.

91. I love Broadway plays, but I've only seen “Phantom of the Opera.” I used to have it completely memorized.

92. I would eat out every meal if I could.

93. I don't like “The Princess Bride.”

94. My current house is 936 square feet and 7 rooms. I pray earnestly that my next house is bigger by at least 100%.

95. I love to plan and organize things.

96. I was a psych major in college until I met DH and decided that I'd rather have a bachelor's in education and a wedding ring than a doctorate in psych.

97. I'd like to participate in community theater, but I'll probably have to wait until BB is older.

98. I've wanted to get a tattoo for as long as I can remember. I don't have one.

99. I dislike wearing makeup and taking the time to fix my hair. I really do think that I could shave my head and be fine with it (although DH would NOT be okay with that!).

100. I have filled and decorated 8 scrapbooks to date. I might need a support group.

Favorite Songs on My iPod

These songs are not necessarily my favorite songs, but they are songs that I listen to repeatedly and sing along with. I removed all Amy Grant songs from the list, because I've pretty much loaded 95% of all of her songs onto my ipod.

1. A – You're Adorable – Dean Martin
2. Agnus Dei – Third Day - I like this songs so much, it played at my wedding
   
3. All the Way – Frank Sinatra
4. Am I blue? - Ethel Waters
5. Annie's Song – John Denver - so many memories for me
   
6. Anticipation – Mandy Moore
7. Anything You Can Do (I can do better) – Dean Martin
   
8. Awesome God – Rich Mullins
9. Baby, it's Cold Outside – Dean Martin
10. Baby, Now that I've Found You – Alison Krauss - I love to sing along with Alison Krauss, and I really don't know why I don't have more of her songs
    
11. Blessed – Rachel Lampa - very stirring
    
12. Come Fly with Me – Frank Sinatra
13. Could I have this Dance? - Anne Murray - if I had been allowed dancing at my wedding, I would have used this as the first dance song for DH and I; not original, I know, but it's a great waltz
    
14. Danny's Song – Kenny Loggins - this song played on a mental loop for me when I was pregnant with BB
    
15. Deeper than the Holler – Randy Travis - twangy and sooo country, but I like his music for some reason
    
16. Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble? - Passion - not quite as good as Mordecai's Courage's version, but it reminds me of the old Vine in Macon and many fond memories
    
17. Don't Know Much – Aaron Neville with Linda Ronstadt - I'm not really an Aaron Neville fan, but I do like singing along
    
18. Don't Take Away My Heaven – Aaron Neville
19. Dust in the Wind - Kansas - love this song! so pretty to me. I really like this type of music
    
20. Fearless – dc Talk - also played this at my wedding; while the song is actually about a person's relationship with God, I felt it was also appropriate for my relationship with DH
    
21. Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
22. Friends – Michael W. Smith - I was initially surprised when I made this list that I don't have more Smitty on my iPod, until I remembered that most of the music that I like of his is on cassette tape
    
23. Fun, Fun, Fun – Beach Boys
24. Godsend – DC Talk - another wedding song; we walked down the aisle after the ceremony to this song
    
25. Gomer's Theme – Third Day - really like this song, and actually like the whole Conspiracy No. 5 album, which I think is the last I ever listened to Third Day
    
26. He's Alive – Don Fransisco - I remember this song from my childhood, and I find it very moving
    
27. Heat Wave – Ethel Waters - great, fun song
    
28. Held – Natalie Grant - I had to pull over and cry the first time I heard this song, which was right before I knew I was pregnant with BB; I'll always associate this song with my early pregnancy with him, which was nerve-racking to me
    
29. His Eye is on the Sparrow – Jessica Simpson - don't like the singer, but I do like her version of this song
30. I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe - another song from my wedding; while this is a song about heaven, it also spoke to me during my engagement about what I dreamed my married future would be like
    
31. I Get a Kick Out of You – Frank Sinatra - no idea why I like this song
    
32. I saw the Lord – Dallas Holm - another classic from childhood
    
33. I Will be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman - yet another wedding song; the best man sang this during the ceremony
    
34. I'd Rather Have Jesus – Alison Krauss - my favorite Alison Krauss song (yes, I know it's a hymn)
    
35. I'll Fly Away – Bryan White - I've heard that this song is theologically unsound, and I don't know why it is, nor do I care
    
36. I've Got the World on a String – Frank Sinatra
37. I've Just Seen Jesus – Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patti - shouldn't this song be sung every Easter?
    
38. If I were a Carpenter- Bobby Darin - I think this song is kinda romantic
    
39. Jesus is Lord of the Way I Feel – Don Fransisco - wow! another childhood fav! I remember singing this on the swing set at recess time (I was a strange child)
    
40. Leaving on a Jet Plane – John Denver - another song full of memories
    
41. Linus and Lucy - Vince Guaraldi Trio - if my phone was circa 1997, I would have this as my ringtone
    
42. Lover Man – Billie Holiday
43. Mambo, Italiano – Dean Martin - try to listen to this and not move
    
44. Moonshadow – Mandy Moore - I don't know what this song is about, but I like to sing along
    
45. My Sweet Lady – John Denver - can you tell I was sad when he died?
    
46. Never Been Unloved – Michael W. Smith - this song really meant a lot to me when I was in high school and struggling with my self-worth
    
47. Oh, the Stone (was rolled away) - Replica - Replica is a now-defunct local band; my husband grew up with one of the band members. This song is actually a hidden track on their last CD.
    
48. One for my baby (and one more for the road) – Frank Sinatra
49. Perhaps love – John Denver with Placido Domingo - when DH and I renew our wedding vows (Lord willing), I'm walking down the aisle to this song
    
50. Rainbow connection – Kenny Loggins
51. Return to Me – Marty Robbins - so beautiful
    
52. Return to Pooh corner – Kenny Loggins
53. Rise again – Dallas Holm - say it with me now, yet another childhood classic!
    
54. Seventy-six Trombones – The Music Man - I was in this play in college, and I used to know every line of dialogue and music in the play
    
55. Someone to watch over me – Frank Sinatra - I like Linda Ronstadt's version better, but the CD wouldn't allow me to place songs on my iPod
    
56. Stormy weather – Ethel Waters - I like Michael Crawford's version better, but I got rid of that CD years before I got my iPod
    
57. The way you love me – Faith Hill - I wanted this song at my wedding (it's one of "our" songs), but my mother told me it was inappropriate
    
58. They Can't Take That Away From Me – Billie Holiday
59. Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman - I've loved this song from the first time I heard it played
    
60. Wouldn't it be Nice? - Beach Boys - another one of "our" songs
    
61. Yankee Doodle Dandy – George M. Cohan - big George M. fan
    
62. You Can't Stop Me from Loving You – Ethel Waters - this song has some great lines
    
63. You put this love in my heart – Keith Green - this song must be played loudly, possibly on repeat
    

78 Hymns

Undeception's recent post about worship caused me to reflect about how much I prefer hymns to some of the modern worship songs that don't have meaningful lyrics. While that wasn't the point of his post, I have been disturbed for a while by the increasing amount of praise songs that don't seem to say anything. As Christians, we are called to excellence, but not all new music reflects excellence, simply a desire to sound popular. I believe that many traditional hymns far better express what we should be feeling as we worship. But hey! This is a list blog! So, here is a list of my favorite hymns:

1. A Mighty Fortress is Our God

2. All Hail the Power

3. Angels We have Heard on High

4. At Calvary

5. At the Cross

6. Be Still, My Soul

7. Because He Lives

8. Blessed Assurance

9. Blessed Redeemer

10. Breathe on Me

11. Christ the Lord is Risen Today

12. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

13. Have Thine Own Way, Lord

14. He Lives

15. Heaven Came Down

16. His Eye is on the Sparrow

17. Holy, Holy, Holy

18. How Great Thou Art

19. I have Decided to Follow Jesus

20. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

21. I Need Thee Every Hour

22. I Surrender All

23. In the Garden

24. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

25. It is Well with My Soul

26. I'd Rather have Jesus

27. I'll Be a Sunbeam

28. I'll Fly Away

29. Jesus, Lover of My Soul

30. Jesus Paid it All

31. Just a Closer Walk with Thee

32. Just as I Am

33. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

34. Love Lifted Me

35. Low in the Grave He Lay

36. Majesty

37. My Faith has Found a Resting Place

38. My Jesus I Love Thee

39. Nothing but the Blood

40. O Come, All Ye Faithful

41. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

42. O How I Love Jesus

43. O Little Town of Bethlehem

44. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

45. On Jordan's Stormy Banks

46. Only Trust Him

47. Onward, Christian Soldiers

48. Praise Him! Praise Him!

49. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

50. Redeemed

51. Rock of Ages

52. Silent Night! Holy Night!

53. Softly and Tenderly

54. Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

55. Surely Goodness and Mercy

56. Surely the Presence of the Lord

57. Sweet, Sweet Spirit

58. Take My Hand, Precious Lord

59. Take My Life, and Let it Be

60. Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

61. The Old Rugged Cross

62. The Solid Rock

63. There is a Fountain

64. There is Power in the Blood

65. This is My Father's World

66. 'Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus

67. To God be the Glory

68. Trust and Obey

69. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

70. Victory in Jesus

71. We're Marching to Zion

72. Were You There?

73. What a Friend We have in Jesus

74. What Child is This?

75. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

76. When the Roll is Called Up Yonder

77. Wherever He Leads, I'll Go

78. Wonderful Grace of Jesus

Favorite Frugal Books

This is in no way an exhaustive list, but I have found these books to be most helpful. In no particular order:

1. Larry Burkett's How to Manage Your Money - I read this as a newlywed. While some of the advice is a little outdated, I found his system for creating a budget very helpful. You can find this book at any Christian bookstore, and probably any church library.
2. Suze Orman's The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke - this book covers almost every topic imaginable, in language that is easy to understand. This book doesn't tell you how to be frugal, but it does tell you how to best save the money you have! I read this book from the public library, although if I ever found a used copy locally, I would definitely buy it for reference. I also recommend her Will and Trust kit, for those of you who have yet to set up these most important financial papers!
3. Jonni McCoy's Miserly Mom - while most of this book reiterated what I already knew, she did have some tips that I thought were worthwhile. I bought this book used, after being unable to find one at any library.
4. Jonni McCoy's Miserly Meals - if you only buy one of her books, definitely buy this one! All the recipes in this book are less than 75 cents a serving! I own this book and have marked my favorites.
5. Amy Dacyczyn's The Complete Tightwad Gazette - when I read this, there were three volumes. Now they have been combined into one book. The book is actually a bound version of a monthly newsletter that she did in the 90's. While some of her figures will need to be adjusted for cost of living increase, her information remains invaluable. I also read this from the library, although again, if I found a used copy locally, I would buy it for reference.

Quotes Vol. 2

I'm working on a more creative post, so today's post will be another volume of favorite quotes. Today's topic - religion:

1. I know God will not give me anything I cannot handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa

2. There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “All right, then, have it your way.” -C.S. Lewis

3. A religion without mystery must be a religion without God.

4. Never be afraid of giving up your best, and God will give you His better. -Hinton

5. God without man is still God. Man without God is nothing.

6. Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither. - C.S. Lewis

7. God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful. - Mother Teresa I find these quotes from her amazing in light of the recent revelations about her doubts of faith

8. I do not want merely to possess a faith; I want a faith that possesses me. -Charles Kingsley

9. Hell begins on the day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achived, of all the gifts which we have wasted, of all that we might have done which we did not do. -Gian Carlo Menotti

10. We are to be ambassadors for Christ, not secret agents.

11. The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried. -G.K. Chesterton

12. Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? - Corrie Ten Boom

Favorite Books

In no particular order, grouped by series, if applicable:

From The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis
The Magician's Nephew
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Last Battle
- the other books are good, but I read these three every year. I think I like these the best because these deal the most with Narnia.

From The Mitford Series, by Jan Karon
A Light in the Window
A Common Life
At Home in Mitford
Light From Heaven
These High, Green Hills
Out to Canaan
A New Song
In This Mountain
Shepherds Abiding
- okay, so this is the whole series. I like them all and I will read them over and over again at least once a year. I wish I lived in a town like Mitford.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder - this of course is the first book in the series, but it's the one I like the best and will read over and over again to this day.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams -my favorite book when I was little

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch - I have loved this book from the first time I heard it read. I think that every child should be read this story.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I don't really know why I like this book so much, but I've read it several times. I also like the movie.

by James Herriot
All Creatures Great and Small
All Things Bright and Beautiful
All Things Wise and Wonderful
The Lord God Made Them All
- these books were written in the years during and after World War II and take place in Yorkshire. I love the description of how things were back then, from the milk man to going to the quaint little villages.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - I had this book read to me once as a kid, and I remembered the book until I found it 11 years later. Other than the frightening picture of the author on the back cover, I love this book.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy - thoroughly depressing, deeply moving. This book is the only classic that I like.

My Favorite Local Businesses

As my town has undergone tremendous growth in the last 15 years, more and more chain restaurants, stores, etc. have come to what used to be a small town. More variety, less personality. Here is my list of the best local businesses, in no particular order:

1. McCall's - my most favorite restaurant. If they ever sold the business, I would buy it. I love their hot ham on swiss! Unfortunately, I only go there a few times a year since they're only open for lunch.
2. Gottwals Books - a recent addition to the town, Gottwals is a used bookstore with great variety. They have a wonderful children's and vintage section, as well as books that cover almost every topic. While not specifically a Christian bookstore, they do carry a large variety of Christian books, and I haven't noticed any offensive material in their store. They recently started accepting book trades, although I haven't given this a try yet.
3. My Father's Place Pizza - yummy! My favorite pizza, hands down. I have a lot of memories there.
4. ABC books - this business specializes in paperback books. You can buy or trade for store credit.
5. Java Bytes - my loyal readers know how I love coffee. And when I want to sit down to drink my coffee, this is where I like to go. I must confess I don't go too often though, as their location is not convenient for me.
6. Children's Chest - I buy my son way too many clothes, but at least I get them from consignment shops! Children's Chest carries name-brand clothes that are in excellent condition. Their owner carefully sorts through toys and clothes and only sells what is perfect. You don't have to worry about finding something and buying it only to later discover a flaw. Children's Chest isn't truly a consignment store, because they buy outright the clothes and toys you wish to sell. You don't have to bring items in and then wait and hope someone buys them. You get your cash or store credit the day you bring items in. Children's Chest accepts items for sale only on Tuesday and Thursday.
7. Reggie's used cars - my family and I have gone to Reggie since he was Reggie's Dynomiser. He is the most honest mechanic my dad has ever met. He won't overcharge you or suggest things that aren't necessary. Sadly, Reggie got out of the repair business several years ago and now focuses on selling used cars. He has carried his honesty as a mechanic over to his new business to perhaps be the first honest used car salesman. Reggie certifies each car he sells and he services the cars he sells.
8. The Coffee Tree - when I want my coffee in a hurry, this drive-through is it! They have great coffee, good prices, and wonderful muffin tops for only $1. They have recently teamed with Java Bytes and Joshua Cup in a campaign against Starbucks, selling t-shirts that read, "Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks." If only they were open at night...