Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Pie Making Day!

Better late than never (for some reason this never got posted in 2012)...
We made 7 pies last year for Thanksgiving (along with 6 mini ones), 2 pumpkin (made from real pumpkin, not canned!), pecan, key lime, apple, banana cream and blueberry.  We also made pocket pies for the first time.  Delish!  Happy Pie Day.  Here are some pics...












*post by Carly

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A Dancer's Journey: Achieving the Goal

I am pleased to present my latest film project, A Dancer's Journey: Achieving the Goal!  It is the sequel to A Dancer's Journey: The Road to Recovery documentary, which I made earlier this year.

We follow my sister's story, as she continues to grow and reach her goals since getting injured last year. It was a lot of fun to put together!  Enjoy! :)


A Dancer's Journey: Achieving the Goal from Carly Stone on Vimeo.



Friday, November 8, 2013

Quoi de Neuf*, Nate?


(*French for "What's up")

What has Nate been up to?  Well, here are some things he's been doing in the last couple of months...

fishing with dad; I caught this one.

surfing trestles

cheffing up something yummy

playing hard at my soccer game.

working as an extra with one of the Wayan brothers

puppy sitting (and holding)

at Amy's Farm



Cooking again at the Ecology Center
Homemade tortillas

Making rootbeer and pretzles at Brewbakers with Carly.


Working on the Woodworking Bus!

Visiting the Paleontology Museum with Allie.





Another STARR Ranch adventure 

Making my Halloween costume!

Coin machine - we collected all the small coins from around the house.
We got to split $63.04!
  '

Farmers' Market - I am holding a "Buddha's hand"
Working with my chemistry teacher - I love chemistry!

More puppies!


                                                



Thursday, November 7, 2013

Good Books for Older Teens

As most of you know, I am a huge bookworm, and I have been my whole life!  I couldn't live without books!!  I've read some great fiction novels in the past year and I'd like to share them with you.  I recommend these books for older teens...


The Fault In Our Stars by John Green  -Incredibly well written but also incredibly sad

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher  -This one will have you rapidly turning pages till the end
The Disenchantments by Nina La Cour  -Fun road trip book

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson  -This is the story of Peter Pan told in the point of view of Tiger Lily; really good book!

The Decoding of Lana Morris by Laura & Tom McNeal  -Very unique and engaging story; loved it

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick -Dreamy-fun read

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak  -Historical fiction, epic story and very sad, but good!

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl  -Fantasy & romance, creepy at times as well!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie  -Quirky and intriging

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill  -Loved it!!  Love story that takes place in London, sounds cliche, but the story isn't!

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone  -Think Time Traveler's Wife but for teens, really really good!


Also, I have a homeschool books club for teens.  We meet once a month at my house and discuss a book that one of the members has picked (this month we're reading The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider).  Whoever hosts the book brings a snack that is from the book and we talk and have a great time!  Last month we read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.  We discussed the book and then watched the movie!  Let me know if you are interested in joining the book club!  The more the merrier.

With authors Tamara Ireland Stone (hey we have the same last name!) and Lauren Morrill

One more thing...this week I had the rare and exciting opportunity to meet the authors of two of the books that I've mentioned above: Meant to Be and Time Between Us.  I read within the same month, and then turns out, the authors of both books were having a signing together!  These two books were arguably the best books that I've read all year.  I was thrilled to meet the authors!  My awesome mom drove me all the way out to La Verne (aka the middle of nowhere) to meet them.  It was a Monday night during traffic time; ick!  Luckily we made it though!  It was really great, and I came away with a bunch of new books!  


Leila Howland author of Nantucket Blue -a book that I have yet to read!


I hope that you look into the books on my book list, and that you enjoy one (or more) of them as much as I did!  Happy Reading!

~Carly