Valentine’s Day turned out better than expected or anticipated.  Princess Nagger did get her white dragon for Valentine’s Day – she excitedly took it to school that day and proudly showed it to all her friends. 

She said it made her a star in school that day.  And helped her pass her multiplication test.  Hubby did the ‘no-no’ on getting me roses for Valentine’s Day on his way home from work (‘no-no’ because we both agree it’s highway robbery how everyone hikes up the prices for roses specifically for Valentine’s Day when you can get them for about one-third the price any other day, and they still die.)  

He also spoiled me rotten and got me a Kindle Fire – I already have the original Kindle Keyboard, but both him and Princess Nagger have a Kindle Fire, so I was the odd-one out.  Not anymore.  I think I’ll keep him around.  I like the Fire, but I’ll stick to my regular old Kindle for reading books when I’m outside, since you can read the screen much better than the Fire. 

The two of them also got me hooked on their favorite new game, Where’s My Water?

Our new addiction that blows Angry Birds out of the water.  It’s one that makes you think strategically, as you have to get the water to the alligator through harrowing circumstances utilizing some complicated methods.  We’re hooked.

We’re still getting used to the hubby’s new ‘normal’ schedule, it really is nice to have him at home during the evening hours, since he is a huge help getting Little Dude ready for bed and reading his bedtime story while I clean up the dinner dishes before going up for my mandatory hug and kiss goodnight.  It’s also nice not having the midday interruption to both our schedules so I can get a lot more uninterrupted stuff done. 

We still have to readjust our nighttime routines, though, still staying up until midnight and getting up at 5:30 each morning won’t keep us sane very long.

In other news, next month The Hunger Games is premiering as a movie:

There’s a boy in Princess Nagger math class that has the first book, and Princess Nagger has been begging me to let her get the series so she can read it too.  She’s always been an ‘advanced’ reader, reading books several levels above her age (currently she’s 9, in 3rd grade reading 5th/6th grade level this year) but I’m not sure I’m ready for her to delve into this series (yet), in spite of her reading ability.

Am I being too over protective of her innocent youth?  I’ve not read the books myself, but I’ve been reading about them, and I’m not too sure I’d like to have those images stuck in her head, considering she’s had nightmares from innocent cartoons in the past.  She assures me the books won’t give her nightmares (she said she read the first chapter of the book compliments of the boy in her class) and insists that it’s something she really wants to read.  I’d love to know your thoughts on this.

That’s about it for this week – feel free to link up and hop around to all the other awesome randomizers – they’re all so entertaining. If you’re visiting from Talk To Us Tuesday, feel free to link up, too – the more the merrier. Rebel On!

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We’re still rebelling while Keely is still hiatus-ing (which is closing in on a full year of hiatus, so I’m thinking she might not be back and I’ll just have to wear the Random Crown permanently and make a new badge), if you have a smorgasbord in your brain and want to let it out, c’mon and join in the fun! Rebel On!

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Once again I’m hopping aboard this fun friendly train – if you’re traveling on the train, be sure to leave your link so I can follow you back!

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Once again I’m linking up with my two new besties Shawn and Impulsive, the lovely hosts of Talk To Us Tuesday. There are no rules so link away.

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46 Comments

  1. Spoiling you with roses is a good thing! Jimmy did too. Sweet. And I ADORE Where’s My Water? If you love it, you should try Cut the Rope, another cool strategy game.

    I have just started reading the Hunger Games, and I’m enjoying it very much. But…I think you’re right to save it a little longer for her. Jude is also a pretty advanced reader, but I think you’re right that despite their ability to read them, they’re not really ready for them content wise. The story is very dark and scary. Good call, I think.
    Gretchen would like you to read ..RTT: Knitting, Quitting and Sir EltonMy Profile

  2. I wish I could offer something about the Hunger Games but A) I reckon Gretchen already has it covered, and B) I haven’t read any of the books, and can’t find the damn things anywhere 🙁

    It’s so cool that your husband is on a regular schedule now; I totally know how that goes. It’s so awesome when you can actually, like, see and interact with your spouse 😀

    That white dragon is seriously rad! I would proudly show that thing off, too!

    Cheers!
    Lex would like you to read ..Random Tuesday Thoughts #58: Swiper, no swiping!My Profile

  3. Great Randomizing!! Love the white dragon…very cool! I can see why she was a star! As for the Hunger Games…hmmm…kind of iffy for her top read. If I where you, I would read it first and then decide. Pretty intense for a 9 year old.
    Hugging you
    SueAnn

  4. I totally skipped over the part about the game that puts angry birds to shame. I don’t want to know… I am so addicted to birds..I tried so hard not to be, but last month while on vacation, I couldn’t get the internet to work in the hotel gym so I played as I worked out. Now I can’t stop… sigh…
    Hilary would like you to read ..I can see clearly nowMy Profile

  5. I agree with SueAnn – read the books first, then decide whether or not you’ll let her read them. While there’s nothing explicit, they’re rather violent and there are some more adult situations in them. (For the record, I really enjoyed the Hunger Games novels and would let my 9-year-old read them before I handed her those horrid Twilight books.)
    Jan would like you to read ..Help, I’m Steppin’ Into The Twilight ZoneMy Profile

  6. A new game that blows Angry Birds out of the water? I’ll have to let my Mr know, he loves all that stuff!
    I have heard so much about the Hunger games and everybody is forever recommending them so I might give them a go. How exciting that there is a movie being released as well.
    I’ve just finished a book called “Matched” , a really good read.
    Lastly can I just say that is the COOLEST dragon EVER!

  7. I was talking to one of my sister in laws about Hunger Games last night and she said in her town that book is a 6th grade reading requirement. I loved the Hunger Games but if it could make her have nightmares, I would hold off.

    My hubby bought me a Kindle Fire earlier this month and I LOVE IT! I need to download that game. I have been really addicted to angry birds.
    Heather’s Happenings would like you to read ..A Random TTUTMy Profile

  8. Okay how’s this for random? This past week at work, was the due date for us to submit Where’s My Water plush for a Disney submission. I don’t think we are going to win though, our plush was really crappy. So what’s the deal with this game? I can’t figure out why Walt Disney World is promoting the plush.
    Rachel M. would like you to read ..Random TuesdayMy Profile

  9. I’ve just downloaded Where’s my water, and I have to say that is really worth to install, it’s such a funny game! I think I’m gonna be addicted soon…
    Julie would like you to read ..dental bridgeMy Profile

  10. Turbo reminded us that he turns nine this year and that is only one year away from the teen years. We quickly corrected him and told him he is not officially a teenager until he’s thirteen. Gods help us. He’s racing toward growing up and I’m not sure I’m ready.
    I so love my Kindle Touch, not so sure about the Fire. Maybe eventually.
    VandyJ would like you to read ..Random RandomnessMy Profile

  11. That sounds like a great Valentine’s Day. I feel the same way about roses- a rip off. Mr.McHunky chose Gerber Daisies instead and spent the extra $ on chocolate. 15 years of husband training has paid off. Ha! I get such a kick out of your blog! Thanks for hosting and have a great week.
    Semi Domesticated Mama would like you to read ..VERBAL DUMPAGEMy Profile

  12. I completely understand your hestitation to let PN read Hunger Games. My mom tried to read it and was complaining about it being disturbing. BUT, I can not WAIT to see the movie! It’s a little morbid to think about kids killing each other but it’s just fiction.

    Thanks for linking up and I added your cute button to my post too! =)
    Impulsive Addict would like you to read ..Skating Like a Rockstar…..Or Not.My Profile

  13. I think you should read the books first so you can judge. I have only read the first book and it wasn’t awful…but I have heard the other two books are way worse! All kids are different so I think in the end you have to decide what’s right for her 🙂
    Becca would like you to read ..The Voice vs. American IdolMy Profile

  14. Ella is on the same reading level. But she has zero interest in actually reading books at that level. She’d rather sit down with a giant stack of picture books. I don’t think I’d let Ella read Hunger Games yet, due to her sensitive, anxious tendencies. But part of me would be so happy she wanted to try that I’d consider letting her. I don’t know.
    Sarah would like you to read ..Comment on That’s not in my job description. by BrianMy Profile

  15. I had advanced readers also and had to make a point to read the books that they wanted to read first. My hope was that I could keep them kids as long as possible. It didn’t always work but I think it helped.
    Michele would like you to read ..FoodMy Profile

  16. You did get spoiled for VDay didn’t you? My guess is you deserved all that you were given!

    My Peanut read all of the books, she too is an advanced reader but she was 11 when she read them, I think those couple of years may make a difference. I read them first and after talking to her about it being fake gave them to her. Both of my daughters and I are counting down the days to go see the movie but I’m with IA, I’m wondering how they’re going to make it not so horrible, I cry watching the trailers!

    Thanks for linking up with us!

  17. I read and loved the Hunger Games and the books are extremely dark, considering they focus on death and post-apocalyptic times where everyone is basically suffering. The story is quite good, but that is one I’ll be withholding from Sprite until she’s at least in middle school.
    I play Where’s My Water and am currently stuck in Level Whatever since I refuse to move forward without all three rubber duckies accounted for. 🙂
    Sprite’s Keeper would like you to read ..Increments of Five, Part The ThirdMy Profile

  18. Sounds like a nice Valentine’s for your family. I’m definitely going to have to check out that game. Definitely sounds like something I would like. In my opinion, I would hold off a little longer on the Hunger Games. I just got the series for my daughter who will be 12 next month. I’m sure PN won’t be happy, but it’s one of those parenting things. I think the storyline might be a bit harsh for her.
    Christina would like you to read ..RANDOM TUESDAY THOUGHTS – FAMILY TIMEMy Profile

  19. My 13 year old son is not allowed to see the movie, and he wasn’t supposed to read the books. He claimed he already read them before I told him that. Yeah right. But my girls aren’t allowed to read them either. I just think the whole premise of the books is horrible. I know I’m not with the “in” crowd on this, but I’ve always been very particular about what my kids are allowed to read and watch. And I have had the same dilemma as you, finding books that are advanced enough for my kids, while still being appropriate for their age level.

    I know we can’t shelter our kids from everything, and they are going to be exposed to things we wish they weren’t. But as I see it, why should we allow them to be exposed unnecessarily to things that aren’t uplifting, when there is something we can do to prevent it? The world is going to do a bang-up job on that as it is, without us contributing to it.

    The Where’s my Water game looks awesome – I love strategy games! However, I sadly have a dumb phone, so I can’t do any of the things all the cool kids are doing with their smart ones!
    Xazmin would like you to read ..Perfect on so many different levels – part 2My Profile

  20. I’m such a lunatic today! I linked up and then I forgot to leave a comment on today’s post. *sigh* This week is a little wacky for me. Oh shot! I need to check out yesterday’s post, too. One thing, in regards to the book series. The only thing that would concern me is the appropriateness for PN. I’m not speaking about the reading level as much as I am situations you may or may not want her to read about at her age. I know nothing about this series so I can’t offer any help there. Maybe someone else can. It seems like I noticed Gretchen may be reading this series. You may want to check with her. Thanks for hosting, dear!

  21. I say let her try it. If you think it’s bothering her, make her put it down. My parents never restricted my reading, and I thank them for that. I learned quickly what bothered me, and what didn’t. Like, reading The Hunchback of Notre Dam, ruined my life.. I put it down and have yet to pick it back up. I was seven, and it scared me, made me sad, and I don’t think I’ll ever read it again. I haven’t even finished it. I would rather stick to the happy ending in the Disney movie. Our kids are way smarter than we give them credit for sometimes.

    Annnnywho.. that’s my spill on that. You’re a great parent, so it’s ultimately up to you. I just think if we stop them from doing something like reading, they’ll find other ways to get to it, and it might be better if she reads it where you can help her through it/with it. I haven’t read it, and I don’t think I will. I have too many other books piled up, waiting for my new specs to let me crack them open again.

    And Stupid Zombies > ALL OF THE GAMES! Haha!
    Kate would like you to read ..Promotion, Lots Of Cooking, Rant Articles, And Stuff: RTTRMy Profile

  22. Oooh, can’t decide if I want to introduce that game to my daughter–seems I don’t see much of the ipad as it is!

    My 14 year old read Hunger Games,and I was a little taken aback when he shared the plot with me. I haven’t read them yet because there is way too much to do around here for me to get addicted right now! My father said they are extremely violent (which seemed to fit the plot that was described to me). Tough call! I am guessing she already did Percy Jackson? What about the other two series by Riordan?
    Andrea would like you to read ..All about the randomMy Profile

  23. Hunger Games may be a bit mature for her. There is a significant amount of violence. If she’s really begging to read it, maybe read it together? That way you can help influence how she handles reading it.

    Or, you should read it first because it’s AMAZING!
    Megan W would like you to read ..Smart SayingsMy Profile

  24. No, you are not being over -protective, just smart. I completely agree. There other books out there to read (advanced books) without having your child read adult topics. Allan keeps bugging me to read Twilight. Not gonna happen. She’s reading The Hobbit instead.

    What about books by Rick Riordan? He wrote Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

    Love the white dragon. My girls would love that too. I’ll have my IT department look into that game you recommended. 😉
    Run DMT would like you to read ..Love My Abs Challenge, Week 4My Profile

  25. Whatever you do- read the series before seeing the movie (at least the first one) they are so so good and I’m betting they can’t make the movie any better.

    As for your daughter, it depends on what she has already read – The Harry Potter Series? Lightening Thief series? All of these have death in them and if she handled that well AND understands it’s all fiction, then I would let her. My Daughter is almost 11 and we are about to read them together so we can discuss it together.

  26. Isn’t the rose thing at V-day pathetic? I didn’t even realize it until this year, but my dad passed away and his funeral was on Feb. 14th. When my mom went in to order the flowers, the flower guy was like, “You do know roses cost more money because of Valentines Day, right?” She just looked at him and said, “Well, that’s too bad, but my husband didn’t have much choice on when he passed away.” I just thought it was so horribly tacky of them to even mention it!!

    As for The Hunger Games – I’m 28 years old, and I read the series last summer. I LOVED it…but it was pretty gruesome! My friends and I aren’t even sure we want to see the movie – reading it was one thing, watching it? eeek….but then again, we might just be a big group of wusses! haha!
    Jill would like you to read ..Let’s Talk…The Voice. And Adam Levine. Yum.My Profile

  27. I have read the Hunger Games books. They are fantastic – but in my opinion NOT suitable for 9 year olds. I won’t even let my almost 12 year old daughter read them. They are teen reads – lots and lots of violence. The themes are definitely too mature for elementary age kids. Putting the violence aside, another reason for kids to wait until they are older is that they will get a lot more out of the books. Plenty to think about and discuss.
    Meryl would like you to read ..Hunger Games MerchandiseMy Profile

  28. I love the Hunger Games! You should read them, the series is incredible. I do think it’s more of a young adult book. I found myself having disturbing dreams after reading them. Maybe a few more years for your daughter. But if you read it you can better judge what she can handle too.
    Wow you lucked out for valentines day! A kindle fire, awesome!
    Date Girl would like you to read ..TTUT-Momma Needs Her SugarMy Profile

  29. I have not read the Hunger Games yet myself- but I have them on order from Fishpond, and soon enough I will know what all the hype is about. However, I do think that the Percy Jackson series would be great for an advanced reader…. the books get better and better, and start without any teenage hang-ups or scary stuff.
    Juanita would like you to read ..Frozen: The Best and the WorstMy Profile

  30. notice lot of the commenters have not read The Hunger Games yet. If interested, I wrote a little post about some of the themes. As mentioned it is a bit violent and the books are not meant for kids, but I’d imagine they’ll tone it down a little so the movie is more inclusive. Other than violence, it is relatively clean.

    Here is the post, hope this link works.. – The Hunger Games Movie

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