Book Review: Into the Whirlwind

Elizabeth Camden’s newest book, Into the Whirlwind, was a good story. Not top-of-my-recommendation list but good nonetheless. I have really enjoyed Camden’s previous books – Against the Tide, The Lady of Bolton Hill, The Rose of Winslow Street – and the author continues to do tremendous job of weaving together historical facts, strong characters and an interesting plot.

Unfortunately, the climax of this story seemed, at least in my opinion, to happen right at the beginning of the book and thus the rest was just a little bit dull.

The character of Mollie Knox was brave and believable. And I loved her heart to care for [and provide jobs for] the men of the 57^th who fought in the war alongside her father. The romantic aspect of the book seemed more of a sub-plot of the story, which I appreciated.

I especially enjoyed the setting in the city of Chicago during 1871 when The Great Chicago Fire occurred. It allowed for reflection in regards to contrast/comparison of how people respond to crisis within communities, in 1871 and in recent days when tragedies such as natural disasters, school shootings & the like occur within our nation. The book allowed some wonderful insight into the struggles in the immediate aftermath of the fire and how the city of Chicago, with help from all over the world, was re-imagined and rebuilt.

There were a couple of aspects to the story that seemed to be left unresolved, specifically the Copernicus watches and Zack’s parents new building which was purchased in order to preserve the traditions of the Polish community. These were not integral components to the story, so perhaps it was the author’s intent.

All in all, a good/recommended read for those who enjoy historical fiction. This story is appropriate for all ages.

I was given this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. 

17 Days and Counting...

Kindergarten starts in 17 days...not like I am counting or anything. Is he ready? Am I ready? I have been prepping Alexander all summer long and he's doing mostly okay. He did share the other day that he's afraid of kids making fun of him "if I do my mathematics wrong" to which I chuckle thinking, "buddy, if you use the word mathematics too many times, the kids MIGHT think you are a bit odd."

But, back to the topic of this post. Me! Specifically that my emotions are a bit messy in regards to this whole kindergarten-thing. Its so hard to let go! To come to terms with the concept of sharing "my" X-man with a teacher and a classroom who don't know/love him like I do. Anxious thoughts, wondering if his teachers, school officials, classmates will be able to see past the not-so-pleasurable characteristics and see the goodness in my little guy. Because I love this boy SO much. 

And I wonder if he'll cry when he can't cut out a circle like the other kids. And I worry that his heart will break the first time a classmate laughs at one of his not-quite-connecting-all-the-dots stories. And I wonder how he will change. And how I will change. And pray that change will be for the good.

This week at the YMCA, a friend & experienced parent commented, "Starting kindergarten is just as intimidating to us moms as it is for our kids." That made me feel not-so-alone in my wondering & worrying. So, if other moms out there have any tried-and-true wisdom you'd like to share to this newbie mom, I am all ears!

4th Annual 'S' Family Vacation

The past four years, each sibling/family has taken a turn in organizing a summer activity. This year's activity was camping at McCormick's Creek State Park in Indiana. Whew! It was hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! But we still had fun. Hiking to the falls. Swimming at the pool. Playing at the park FOR HOURS. Lots of roasted marshmallows and pudgie pies.Gallons and gallons of water! 

Since we had electrical sites, even though we stayed in tents/pop-up camper, the suggestion to bring an extension cord & fan was a LIFESAVER for the steamy nights. Alexander was too excited to sleep much the first night, but the second night he played himself rugged & zonked soon after settling into his sleeping bag. 

As time passes, my heart is more & more & more thankful for the gift of family and something I try not to take for granted. So many travel thru life without this blessing. While our times together are not always extraordinary, there is joy in knowing we are surrounded by circle of love -- and most of all, the knowledge that we not only share this life but life eternal, too!

Ty-Ger Comes To Visit

For months, Alexander has requested to visit the 'Dinosaur' Museum in the city; this translates to the Field Museum where 'Sue' is displayed in the lobby. Earlier this summer, he requested I 'get the trip on the schedule...' so I'd be sure not to forget. Knowing he'd probably enjoy the day with a friend, I invited my mom to join us for the day with Ty, our cousin/nephew. The 'scheduled' date was this past Monday. Perhaps in the next post when I figure out how to transfer pictures from my new phone to the computer, I will share more of our adventures (or more appropriately, our mis-adventures) of the day. For now, here are some pictures of the boys in the 'burbs, before our trip to the city.

Some BoyTime @ Cantigny

We met some cousins/nephews/friends at nearby Cantigny earlier today. Jonah, Jared, Alexander, Mason, Kadin & Trace. All boys. All seven & under. Three of them born within three weeks of one another. 

While the weather was quite steamy, the boys did not let that slow them down. The especially loved climbing on the 11 tanks/artillery  pieces which are all inoperable but available for the little ones to climb on/around/in/out of. Lots of imagination happening as they acted out battles. They also enjoyed the afternoon water-activities, especially creating a mural with spray bottles & painting with watercolors. The X-man noted that they were creating 'masterpieces' :)

Fourth of July Fun

We had a fun-filled, friend-filled day yesterday while celebrating the 4th. Wonderful weather! Curbside seats @ the parade! Lots of chatting & chasing of kids! Here are a couple of pics of our day which started with the parade & ended with fireworks, of course! 

Cousins! Buddies! Playmates!

Here they are two years ago -- ages 2 (Isaak), 2 (Drew) and 3 (Xander).

 

And together again this past week -- SO MUCH FUN!

 I pray they'll always look out for one another and will live the Proverb, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."