The Walk by Richard Paul Evans

The Walk, by Richard Paul Evans is the February pick by Kayleen Pemberton.  She kindly selected a book that had multiple available copies at the library so more people could have a chance to read it.  One very exciting piece of news is that she just moved to a new house!
Mark your calendar for February 17th, 8:00 pm.

Here's a note from her of how to get there:

My address is 6997 Tracy Loop Rd. Herriman

The easiest way to get there is: go west on 13100 S all the way to 7300 West. Turn south on 73rd. Take 2nd left turn onto McCuiston Ave (you'll be heading east now). The road is dirt for about 500 yards, (when you're actually on Salt Lake County property, not Herriman City...) then becomes paved (welcome BACK to Herriman!). :) 

Then take your 2nd right onto Tracy Loop Rd. My house is right after the road "loops" back to an easterly direction. It is gray with red brick. 

Can't wait to see you all! 

Kayleen

Also, we have the last quarter of the year to fill in for hostesses, and a lot of blanks to fill in for book selections.  So, if you can come with your "fill in" we'd love to update the group on this year's calendar.  See you the 17th!

Mom of the Year goes to...

I guess it's not fair to say, because we're not asking the children, but if votes were cast strictly from our conversation on the 20th it would have to be the woman who gave the two following tips (from her own experience)

• Power of a Pow Wow- Rather than let tempers fly in the heat of an argument, request a one on one meeting referred to as a "pow wow" later.  Children are also allowed to request a "pow wow" to discuss the matter the same evening (or next morning, depending on the time of occurrence). This allows both sides to be heard and then a resolution be reached.  If at all possible, include your spouse, and only the children directly involved. 
• Benefits: Allows cool-down period, child learns conflict resolution, child is validated because their voice matters, teaches child to wait.
• Cookies and Candlelight- One night a week, after the other kids have gone to bed, spend 15 minutes with one of your children with Oreos and a cool glass of milk.  Turn the lights out and light your special candles.  Let your child talk about anything they want and be 100% attentive.  Be sure that both parents are present, and that all phones, tv's, and other gadgets are off.
• Benefits: Get to know your child, let them feel special, relax and enjoy the beauty of their youth.

... and the winner is KELSEY HOSKINS!

Okay, it's true that we ate up every recommendation she made, but there were equally wonderful mothers in the room, and all the tips were a big help to those of us who were taking mental notes.  Of the ten women present, only one read the actual book of the month, but that didn't stop us from having a great time. 

We must mention the ever-delicious kettle popcorn made by Lissa Lowry's talented husband.  I lost count of how many bowlfuls I had.  Thanks for sharing with us, Lissa!

2012 Begins with Powerful Parenting Selection

January marks the beginning of a new year, a fresh start, a clean slate.  It's our chance to take a different angle at the way we approach the many aspects of our life, that will hopefully yield higher dividends than all years prior. 
     Whether in physical fitness, financial fitness, or resolve to be a better friend, neighbor, employee, wife, or mother, it will make a difference for you, one way or another. 
     Purging old habits and forging new ones is a challenge that some surrender to, and leave it to the dreamers to make any real headway in accomplishing the far fetched goal.  But, with a little resolve, patience, commitment, and determination, I believe we can rid ourselves of destructive (or less productive) behaviors, little by little, until we master the art of what we've given our laser focus to. 
     There are a few women I know who emulate mastery at one thing that seems to evade me just so... parenting.  So, my selection for the month also known as "New Year's Resolution" month, is a book recommended by one of these women: Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte.
     For all women who fall somewhere between an A+ mother and a failing one, let's get together January 20th 8 p.m. at my home: 12561 Sondrio St. to discuss how we can help sculpt our children into future confident community contributors and individuals.
     Plus, we can determine the rest of the year's hostesses and books.  See you soon!

The Fourth Gift Was a Gift To Us All

Although I wasn't there personally, I learned from attendees that December's book club was wonderful.  Partly because the author came and shared great insights and backstory surrounding his writing career, and partly because Jen made delicious treats and an atmosphere of welcome and friendship.  The book exchange had everyone going home with new reading material.  Long after the guest appearance had left, the conversation and fun continued.  Thanks again, Jen, for hosting, and inspiring us all with just a sweet Christmas story and evening!

Get a Signed Copy of The Fourth Gift for 20% off!

Very good news... 

Our December hostess, Jennefer Procarione, knows the author personally, and his publisher has extended an exclusive 20% discount for the Herriman Book Club Hub!  Original price for a beautifully sleeved, hardback book is $12.99.  WE get the book for $10.40 SIGNED by J. Tucker Davis himself.  But we have to let Jennefer know by December 2nd, which is next Friday.

So, hurry!  Send her an e-mail right now with how many copies you want (it works as a great Christmas present) at jprocar@q.com or call her at home: 801-446-1411, or via mobile: 801-205-8083.  

Stolen Lives Opened Our Eyes & Jamie Warmed Our Souls

November book club was a great conversation of the will to survive, the inhumanity of parts of humanity that exist even in our time, and how where we are born has so much to do with how our lives turn out. 

It was a great reminder and eye-opener that we are recipients of millions of freedoms that we don't even realize we are enjoying.  From the amenities of running water, sanitary foods, electricity, freedom of religion, political persuasion, safety, literacy, accessibility to the greatest libraries, medical advancements, and even the neighborhood park, we really have it all. 

Our discussion explored a few ways we can make a difference worldwide for those in poverty stricken areas, and what we can do locally (ask Kristi Cummings if you want suggestions on either). 

Jamie spoiled us with irresistible cheese balls and crackers, delicious veggies, rock candies, and a yummy virgin mixed drink with lemon and mint (I don't remember what it's called).  Jennefer topped off the broad selection with delicious home made shortbread cookies that seemed to vanish by the evening's end.

With Thanksgiving on the brain, I would like to thank each of you for your generosity.  Thanks to all of you for making our first year as a book club such a success; it is a highlight to my every month to be with you.  Thank you for hosting, for reading, for showing up whether or not you read, for moving your schedule around to come,  for sharing your thoughts (no matter how polarized), for accepting me and the other group members as a friend (despite our occasional differences of opinion).  Thanks be to your good husbands for watching the children so you could have a night out with the girls, and thanks for inviting other fabulous people to join us that we wouldn't have had a chance to meet otherwise.  May the upcoming holidays be filled with love, peace, and harmony is my wish to you,

Natalie Griffith       

p.s. If you ever need to unwind, come over for a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows, even just for 15 minutes after the kids have gone to bed.  Send me a text, and I'll start heating up the water.    

December Changes

At book club last month, we briefly talked about what to anticipate through the rest of the year, and our newest member, Jennefer Procarione, volunteered to host in December!  Not only will she determine how the book exchange will go, but we can look to her to guide the discussion on her simple Christmas read: The Fourth Gift by J. Tucker Davis.  We're all looking forward to our Christmas party on December 16th, thanks for hosting, Jennefer!

Regarding the book exchange, bring a new or gently used literary favorite.  For the fun of anticipation and flirting with the unknown, wrap it.  The rules of the game will be explained and the fun will begin on Jennefer's cue.