Summer Scrapping

It only took me two years! But finally, I have finished up and ordered my Summer 2011 scrapbook. I had lots of awesome adventures that summer and I wanted to scrap something just for me. But my own projects tend to get put off. And I also had a $20 gift card for Shutterfly, so I got a discount on my 48-page book! When I was telling my mom about how I finally finished this project - she said maybe it's not that I've been slow - but that I've had too many adventures! I like that thinking.

Here's what I've been up to....

Two pages of random shots hanging out with my friends in the summer of 2011.

This wasn't a summer funtivity - but also another great night out with my pals for Jaime's birthday.

Kylie is a basketball super star - for real. She's so good! I was using my big lens and shooting from all the way across the gym. Not too bad!

Look at this face! It kills me!!!!

Fun night out with the co-workers - this summer! - at a local baseball game. 

The girls looking way too grown up in their latest school portraits.

My friend Morgan brings her hamster Flash just all over the place - and he was at Jaime's party, too.

The Natural History museum in NYC. I love these dino elements!

Another two pager for my book with photos from the Ren Faire.

And I just love this page. So simple and pretty! I did a little photoshopping on the image to clone out a dead bug - I forget that I can do stuff like this on my pages. I don't know why!

Chose to be kind

I've had RJ Palacio's Wonder on my to-read list for awhile. A few friends recently posted about it making me think I should finally pick it up. And I am so happy I did.

Wonder might be a book for young adults or maybe older children, but it is really is just one of those books everyone should read. It is sweet, touching, heart-breaking and funny. It's a story about a 10-year-old boy with a very unique genetic disorder and an unusual face. And in spite of all that he's a pretty normal kid - funny, smart and really into Star Wars. (You know I loved all the Star Wars references!) I think he was surprisingly strong when he's facing stares from strangers or bullies at school. It's pretty amazing. He's a kid I would like to know. 

The story is told from multiple points-of-view - August tells most of the story, but we also hear from some of his friends and his sister, and it's interesting to see how other people react to and really care about him. 

Would you stare or smile if you met August? Would you stand up for a friend? Do you chose to be right or to be kind? This book has me asking these questions about myself. 

I listened to the audiobook version - which was performed wonderfully by Kate Rudd, Nick Podehl
(who I've enjoyed from John Green books) and Diana Steel. I especially liked how Jack sounded like a character out of Newsies and August's raspy voice was just super sweet. Listen with caution if you plan to drive - because you will cry!!