Damian's Theme Song

This is truly hilarious. Enjoy!

Twilight Re-Visitied

Still, no Service Blog updates . . . but we did write a "Family Mission Statement" yesterday. Maybe I'll post that.

I stayed up late watching "Twilight" last night. I think the best part of that movie is the kissing scene. I hope the new director does a better job with "New Moon." And if so, I hope he/she goes back and re-does "Twilight." I'm just NOT a big fan of the movie, I think Catherine Hardawick might be a drug addict. She's a weirdo. I really do love the boy she cast as Jacob, though. He is exactly how I pictured Jacob as I read the books. Anyway, enough opinion. Now for some funnies:


And my favorite:

A Redbird Christmas

I read another book by Fannie Flagg, the perfect quick read for Christmas, and another new favorite!

People Magazine gave this sweet book a nice review and I couldn't sum it up any better. They said, "Satisfying . . . Flagg's faith in the healing power of small towns and family is refreshing."

Do yourself a favor and go check this one out at your library. Curl up in a comfy chair with a steaming hot chocolate and enjoy!

(And I pre-published this post when I read the book in the summer, just so you don't think I actually have time to read and sip chocolate right now, because I don't!)

The Mysterious Benedict Society

This was a great children's book and it has a sequel! I'm in Logan, UT for my cousin's wedding TODAY and I enjoyed reading the sequel on the plane, yesterday!

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart is about a bunch of smart kids who have to band together to stop evil. They come from all different walks of life, but have some strange similarities. It's wholesome, mysterious, hilarious and sharp. It ends well, with all the characters finding happiness. It's quirky and really fun.

One of my favorite parts comes right near the beginning.

"There will be no talking!" boomed the pencil woman, who entered just then, slamming the door behind her. She strode briskly to the front of the room, carrying a tall stack of papers and a jar of pickles. "If any child is caught cheating, then he or she will be executed - "

The children gasped.

"I'm sorry, did I say executed? I meant to say escorted. Any child caught cheating will be escorted from the building at once. Now then, are you all relaxed? It's important to be relaxed when taking such an extremely difficult test as this, especially considering how long it is and how very little time you'll have to complete it."

The Wednesday Letters

I loved this book by Jason F. Wright. It was an intriguing, quick read and very clean. I loved the message within the sweet love story. The plot wove a message about the power of love, devotion and forgiveness.

Now, I need to start compiling some paperbacks that I can take on my 2 week trip to Italy in October. I need books that I can leave behind for my sister to read, after I've finished them!

Any suggestions?

Book Questions

I read this children's book last week and I can't say I'm a big fan of Lois Lowry. I know she's won a ton of awards for her writing, but I don't love her books, in fact, I think some of them are downright weird.

I just checked out her blog and she doesn't seem weird, personally . . . she mentioned 2 of my favorite books (Stand Tall, Molly Lou Mellon, and Blueberries for Sal) in recent posts, so she can't be all weird?!

The Willloughbys was morbid and even though I enjoyed it A LITTLE, I didn't think it was pleasant for children. I thought it was a rude/mocking about some great classics that I love (Little Women, Secret Garden, Little Princess & Anne of Green Gables, to name a few of my FAVORITES!!)

It reminded me a little of "Lemony Snicket's: A Series of Unfortunate Events." Those were books I also enjoyed, but my children hated them and I don't recommend to kids. If you haven't read them, watch the creepy, funny video below and you'll get the gist.

I just don't understand why kids would want to read books where unpleasant things happen to the characters. Or books where children are mistreated and unloved. I enjoy them because they're sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and quirky (much like my own sense of humor), but I think they're frightening and disturbing for kids. I think adults can understand that kind of humor and not get worried, but children cannot.

I wonder if these are bestsellers because children, as a whole, are desensitized to all things sweet and innocent. Or if these type of books speak out to children that REALLY are suffering similar fates? Maybe these kinds of books are some that abused children can relate well to? I just don't get it. Why are these books so popular?

What do you think?

Breaking Dawn

I am a Jacob fan. After reading the first 3 books a second time, I barely even liked Bella! I felt the injustice in her actions toward Jacob, very strongly. She became a whiny, lovesick teenie-bopper to me. And Edward was too over the top and possessive. I couldn't be happy where I thought the books were going.

So, I put off reading Book 4, Breaking Dawn, as long as possible (3 days!) I loaned it to someone, then I re-read the first 3 in the series, but I finally opened it last night at 9pm. I thought I'd take it slow, sure it would disappoint me. I read until 2am, then picked it back up at 8am and read until 11am, finishing in 8 hours.

I thought the book was delicious. I am amazed at what Stephenie Meyer was able to do. I find it unusual that I like each book independent of the others. They are all part of the larger tale, but each tell a wonderful story alone.

The events in the book immortalized all the characters in a perfect state, for me. I have no negative feeling for any. Not even Rosalie! Stephenie Meyer completed each character's story (could she start writing for LOST, please?) I had a secret desire for Bella's future and that was realized. I loved that Jacob was made happier than I thought possible. Saying that each character had a happy ending doesn't begin to cover the feeling of closure this book provided. Sometimes I feel a little 'depressed' when a series ends, wishing I it wasn't over, but this ending was perfect. Mrs. Meyer is a genius.

I love that these books are clean . . . a few unnecessary swear words and a few references to married relations (but no pre-marital relations!) I still think this series is best for girls over 18, but you all know what a prude I am about books. I am proud that Stephenie Meyer claims her education from my Alma mater, BYU. Damian and she were in a ward (congregation) together their freshmen year. I am so proud of the way she's written these books, full of her values and morals. She has taught wonderful lessons to the world. I've never read another Vampire book and probably never will. To me, these books are about the MESSAGE and the characters are secondary. The messages are:

Good Always Conquers Evil, in the End
Love Triumphs Over All and is Eternal
FAMILY is the Most Important Thing There Is
Sacrificing for Those you Love Makes all Things Better
You CAN Control your Weaknesses and NOT Give into Temptation
It is Worth it to WAIT for the Best Things in Life
There IS Life after Death and Justice and Mercy for All

Slightly Obsessed Twilight Fans!

I just got back from an amazing Twilight Party! My friend, Michelle threw a great BASH in her beautiful backyard for 30 other SLIGHTLY OBSESSED TWILIGHT FANS.

The themed decorations were enchanting . . . notice the apples, flower petals and ribbons used as table centerpieces, honoring each book jacket:

The treats were DIVINE! I stopped dipping fruit in the chocolate fountain . . . I ladeled it into my mouth with a spoon, instead!

Me, Michelle and Alisha in our matching shirts (designed by Michelle.) Notice Michelle's handmade necklace . . . complete with a wolf carved from bone and a little chrystal heart . . . to signify both of Bella's loves. I cheated at all the games so I could win one. Which is worse? Coveting a necklace or being dishonest to get the necklace?

These are my best Twilight BUDS . . . Jen Vranes and Tiffany Idiart, my sister-in-law, 8 mos. pregnant. . . but still goin' strong!

At Midnight, some of the more DIE-HARD fans went to Barnes and Noble to pick up our copy of Stephenie Meyer's Breaking Dawn, book 4 in the Twilight series.

WHAT AM I DOING BLOGGIN AT 1AM, WHEN I COULD BE READING BREAKING DAWN?

Devouring Books

Here I am, in Alaska, and I had SOO much time to blog and read. . . it took 8 hours just to get here!

I've found more to add to my "Favorite Books Ever" Shelfari list: Before Green Gables (A Prequel to Anne of Green Gables) by Budge Wilson. I 'heart' Anne Shirley and this book really does justice to her beginnings. It's a very sweet read that transports you back for a little more of her lovely story. If you adore Anne, you'll love this book.

Another I read is #6 in The Sisters Grimm Series by Michael Buckley. I started this series Feb. 07, on the way to NYC and have anxiously awaited each installment. I love fantasy and these books are delightful. They are about adventurous sisters (desendants of the Grimm Brothers) who live amongst all the Fairy Tale Characters in the modern times. These characters are always getting into mischief and the Sisters put them in their place. Now I'll have to wait at least 6 more months for book #7!!

I'll report on more books as the week goes by, but also, I'll be sending you some SWEET photos of Alaska. . .

Fablehaven

My brother-in-law kept telling me to read a book written by a friend of his from BYU. I'm so glad he did! The cover looks creepy, but it is a really wonderful fantasy. I LOVED IT and now Josh is reading it. There are three in the series now, with a fourth in the works. I've requested that my library buy the set. They are New York Times BESTSELLERS, for goodness sake! Just another great thing to come out of BYU.

Damian knew Stephenie Meyer (author of the Twilight Series) at BYU and every once in awhile he says, "Too bad I didn't marry her, I wouldn't have to go to work today." I think he's kidding. I hope he's kidding!

Go check out Fablehaven by Brandon Mull and read it with your older elementary school kids, today!!

Book #3: The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

This was a great book, told through the eyes of a black woman born into slavery in the 1850's that lived until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's (yes, she was OLD!!) It was well written and a fun read, although it had many sad parts (a book of that subject material is sure to be sad!)

I read it last month and remember it being pretty clean, too. It was written almost 40 years ago and made into a movie about 35 years ago. I'll have to look into renting that one through my Blockbuster Online Account. It's by Ernest J. Gaines.

Now I'm finished with the Southern Reading Challenge. I never won the Pecans, but I found Fannie Flagg, a new favorite author, and I met a new friend, Maggie of http://www.maggiereads.blogspot.com/ I call that a success! Thanks Maggie, for inspiring me!

Blessings

It only took 3 hours to read Blessings by Anna Quindlen and I liked it. It was a sweet story about the power you have to change your own life. It was also about parenting and family relationships.

Skip, just out of jail, with a new job as a cartaker of a rambling estate, finds a baby left on his doorstep. When his employer finds out he's been keeping the baby in his quarters, they have a sweet conversation:

"Do you ever give any thought to the woman who must have left her here?" She said.

"All the time. I try not to, but I wonder about her all the time."

"She is the mother, after all."

"No, see, that's where I think you're wrong. Because I keep thinking that that's not how you get to be the mother. You get to be the mother like this. You get to be the mother by changing her and giving her a bath and walking her in the middle of the night and loving her and making her feel like everything's all right. That's how you get to be the mother. That's what being the mother is. That means I'm the mother, more or less."

It really had a nice message and if you're thinking about reading it, don't read the next part in blue, it will give the end away!

In the very sad end, the birth mother gets her baby back. She comes around a few weeks later to talk to Skip. As she's leaving, Skip ponders about the mother and himself:

A year ago he would have taken the turned-down set of this girl's mouth, her ragged nails and narrowed eyes, as an omen, a prediction of the future, sure as Boatwrights begat more Boatrights. But look at Jennifer Foster, or Meredith Fox. Look at Skip Cuddy, who'd managed to do for four months with a baby he'd found in a box what his father, as far as he knew, hadn't managed in his whole life. Most people turned out the way you would expect. But not all. Not by a long shot.

"Just look at her, you know?" he said, leaning in the car window. "Look at her like she's not yours, like you've never seen her before. She does all these amazing things. And they change all the time. I mean, watching her just move her arms and legs is one of the coolest things you can do."

She shrugged, "So if you cared about her so much, why did you give her up?"

"I didn't give her up. You gave her up. I gave her back."

OK, so I really enjoyed the book but I won't recommend it because it did have about 10 strong swear words and some PG-13 morality issues. So far, I've read 4 books recommended by the Book Club made up of women in my ward (church congregation) . It's not your typical Church Book Club because the books aren't all faith promoting or doctrinal. I've liked the choices, but of the 4 I've read, half have had swearing/morality issues. Of course, I could have put those books down, but I didn't have the will power to live my faith completely. And once I'm into a book, it's hard to stop reading! I guess that's how all temptations get the best of us!

No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy wrote this thriller, No Country for Old Men. It was pretty clean, as far as swearing goes, but thematically, it was disturbing. What else can you expect from a book about a drug war with a sociopathic hit man as a main character? I used to love reading John Grisham books and this reminded me of his style/elements.

No Country for Old Men was made into a movie that won 4 Oscars last year (rated R) . . . I bet it's a good one to "Clean Flix!" It was what it was . . . I don't know how anyone can write more about it than that!

As for me, I'm soaking up the sun, singing campfire songs, watching crazy skits, eating yummy camp food and missing my kids (but only a tiny bit) at Girl's Camp. Check back on TUESDAY for pictures!

Book #2: Mudbound

I've been enjoying the Southern Reading Challenge (3 books by Southern Authors in 3 months). Mudbound, a book published this year, really affected me. It has a huge following, but overall, I didn't like it. It was well written and interesting, but the negative things about it outweighed the good and I wouldn't recommend it.

First, it had a bit of swearing, which I hate.

Second, the despair and unhappiness of most of the characters was so overwhelming that sometimes, I was swallowed up in grief. Ronsel, the black soldier that heroically fought for our country, only to come home to the same bigotry he left, was too unjustly treated for me to handle. Laura, the voice of the book, had a life of compounding problems and dashed dreams. And her husband was basically a good man that ends up sort of cheated of his perfect future, too. I just cried for all of them, it was just too much for me. Obviously, I only like NON-SWEARING, HAPPY books!

Thirdly, I had nightmares, no kidding! I dreamed that my sweetest sister-in-law EVER cheated on my favorite brother-in-law. And I kept waking up, and re-dreaming the continuation of the dream, 3 times!! I've never had that happen before. It was so creepy, and I swear, the book triggered that! I think this book isn't for the faint of heart. Or maybe it's not for the heart that only likes to dwell in a perfect setting full of happy characters!

So that's my opinion on Mudbound. Take it or leave it.

Bread Making vs. Book Club

Tonight I have a dilemma. I can go to a bread & chocolate making class that Damian really wants me to attend (his two favorite food groups are bread and chocolate) or I can go to Book Club.

And I actually read the book.

Until 2am.

In the bath.

My Obsessive Readers Anon. Support group tells me I have to stop admitting that I read for 6 hours straight in the bath. Ignoring my problems is a part of the recovery process . . . to let my past indiscretions with books GO and quit referring to them. Next month they'll teach me how to control myself around books.

OK, so enough baring my soul, the book is, "Standing in the Rainbow" by Fannie Flagg. I can't believe I never heard of this author until last month. I also can't believe I've read all her works in a month. She is a phenomenal author and I like her whole body of work.

That isn't always the case. For example . . . I read, "The Secret Life of Bees" a few months ago and LOVED it. So I checked out every book by the author and hated every other one. And I mean HATED them, especially "The Mermaid Chair".

But Fannie is special. She writes great books, generally clean and uplifting, and they are a great commentary on our society. She makes me laugh, she has made me cry and she makes me think. Of course, "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" is still my favorite, but "Rainbow" is a close second. Probably because it's a prequel to my favorite! So when I saw the reading list for the Book Club and it included a Fannie Flagg for this week, I had to stay up all night reading it.

I've never been to an Official Book Club. My kids and I have brought home 50 or 60 picture books from the library and made a huge sheet tent in the living room and had a Book Club where we eat snack and read all the books at once (see, I'm breeding future Obsessive Readers Anon. members!) .

Sooo, I really want to see what adults do at one of these clubs. I hope it includes eating and visiting. I really don't want to hear what anyone else thinks about the book. What if they don't like Aunt Elner or the book? I might never talk to them again, and these are women I go to church with every week.

I'll go to the breads/chocolate class, and then sneak out and hit the book club. One starts at 6:30 and one at 7:30 . . . and if those women want to dissect this book, I'll sneak out and go back to breads/chocolates.

And now, I must reflect on my second obsessive book behavior. (The first being, staying up all night to read in the bath, in case you weren't clear on that). The second is that when I find a book I really love, I go check out EVERY book by the same author and read them all in a row.

My friend, Maggie from Mississippi . . . (OK, I use that term "friend" loosely because we have commented on each other's blogs, but she's a fellow Read-aholic, so that makes us friends, right?) Anyway, Maggie (http://www.maggiereads.blogspot.com/ ) mentioned this on her blog,

"Normally, I do not read the same author back-to-back. Being a librarian, it is important to experience all types of authors and genres. One might say, better to have a taste of an author’s writing than to spend valuable time analyzing his complete works."

But then, her post goes on to say that she enjoyed a book so much, she did read another by the same author.

Here's my point. I had great aspirations to be a librarian in Elementary School. But . . . after becoming a teacher and then a mother, I now have great aspirations to be the Story-Time Lady at my local library. I like costumes, I like puppets and singing and I really love reading picture books upside down with funny voices. It's the perfect career for me. And it's a once-a-week gig, so it won't interfere with my reading time. So Maggie, I must say,

"Normally, I DO read the same author back-to-back. Being a Story-Time Lady Wanna-Be, it is important to experience Obsessive Compulsive Reading to the highest degree. One might say, better to be drunk on an author's whole body of work, than branch out and possibly get psychological help."

Hello, my name is Sarah and it's been 2 hours since I read a book!

Welcome to your first ORA (Obsessive Readers Anon.) Meeting! Let me start with an introduction:

Hello, My name is Sarah and it's been 2 hours since I read a book!

I've been obsessively reading since I was 3. It really went downhill for me when I won the school-wide Read-A-Thon in Third Grade. The obsession to win, and read 300 books in a month got the best of me and I haven't looked back since!

I start a book innocently enough . . . reading the first chapter at the library, while waiting for my children to find their books. As I sit on the couch I think, Oh, this book is delicious and I can savor it over the next few weeks . . . no headaches attached!

But then, it turns ugly. I read on the way home, AT THE STOP LIGHTS, with people honking and yelling in the cars behind me! People can be so ugly and hard-hearted to us readers! Then, I prop the book up, while I cook dinner (sometimes I sweet talk my 9-year-old genius child into cooking, so I can read in my room), and then, when 7:30pm comes . . . my dear husband reads scriptures and prays with the kids and then tucks them in, while I sit in the bath and read.

And then the book is finished, and I've had to add 10 gallons of hot water, over the next 6 hours, while I prune and read.

And it's 2am.

And I can't function the next morning, and Damian knows why, so he gets up quietly (How many of you have had book HANGOVERS?) and gets the kids off to school.

And my 4-year-old plays quietly because he knows Mommy is too tired to play and has a headache, because she read a book all night.

This is not healthy. And I know it. And I have to gain some control over the books that are taking over my life. If you can understand the obsession of reading, or if you have had book hangovers, please, be my support group. Let me know I'm not the only crazy one!

Book #1: Fried Green Tomatoes @ the Whistle Stop Cafe

I read this book while laying by the pool in Florida. It's the 3rd Fannie Flagg book I've read this month and I still like, "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" best.

Like Fannie's other books, this book was a fun journey into a lot of Quirky Southern Character's lives. Ms. Flagg is very good at teaching you about human nature and love, through the eyes of her characters.

I laughed out loud when one quiet character that had been unhappily married to a horrible wife decided to leave her one day (when his kids were grown). He left her a note that said:

Well, that's that. I'm off, and if you don't believe I'm leaving, just count the days I'm gone. When you hear the phone not ringing, it'll be me that's not calling. Goodbye, old girl, and good luck.

Yours truly, Earl Adcock

P.S. I'm not deaf

I laughed, but also felt so sorry for people who are unhappy in marriage. I am really grateful for my sweet husband and good marriage.

If you want a REALLY great read with a very nice message and truely inspiring characters, read Fannie Flagg's "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven." It is VERY funny, but also, very upbeat.

Date Night Vs. New Book

Damian and I religiously go on a date night EVERY Friday Night. It is a pleasure I look forward to each week and I very selfishly guard my RIGHT! But, since we're going on a trip together next week, I asked him to take Josh and his 2 best friends to "Speed Racer" and I stayed home with the girls (and Ben). I watched the end of Sense and Sensibility (I'm on a Jane Austen Kick) while I folded 3 loads of laundry and then I started a new book at 7:30 pm.

I fell in love instantly and was enjoying my date night with Fannie Flagg, a REALLY GREAT SOUTHERN AUTHOR. I was still reading when Damian got home at 9:30, and stayed up to finish the book until midnight. Can't Wait to Get to Heaven is full of quirky, funny, true-to-life characters. The message was sweet and powerful. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read the other 6 Fannie Books on my trip. I hope I can make time for Damian! If you want to laugh out loud, during a CLEAN book (there are about 20 light swear words, but nothing else objectionable!) go check this one out, and Tiff, you can borrow my copy for the cruise!

Summer Reading

Hey Y'All! Damian's cousin inspired me to try this online book club . . . I've always liked Southern Writers and now I'm going to read MORE in the hopes of winning some pecans. Sounds kinda weird, but hey, FREE STUFF??!! Here's the link, if you want to join me!

http://maggiereads.blogspot.com/2008/05/southern-reading-challenge-yall.html

I read a ton, probably 2-4 books a week, (so maybe over 5 years, it's an actual TON of books!) Mostly I read stuff from the kids section . . . I can read it fast AND recommend it to my kids. I'm going to post ADULT books I read that are CLEAN on this shelf, so it may take awhile to fill. I end up trying lots of recommended books and returning them half-way through because they are full of junk.

Twilight Obsessed!

I am an obsessive, compulsive reader. Often, I have my limit checked out from the library and my biggest trial is managing them, so I have minimal late fees. The amount I pay in fees could buy a lot of books. (Picture ne admiting to Damian that I have late fees due, ONCE AGAIN and then picture Damian rolling his eyes and saying, "There goes our kids college fund!")

Why can't I just keep a few books around? No, I have to get greedy and request ALL the books by a new author I've found, or EVERY book available on my next vacation spot.

OK, this post was supposed to be about Twilight, but I decided to divulge personal, incriminating evidence of my stupidity. Well, I have one redeeming quality. I never paid any fees for the Twilight series. First of all, I read each book in one day . . . and secondly, I borrowed them from my sister-in-law. If I could devour all the books on my nightstand with the same ferocity that I read Stephenie Meyer's books, I'd never owe the library money!

I guess I'm like Edward/Bella, in my relationship with books; I practice self restraint with the thing I love, most, and try not to devour them? OK, I'm in so deep that I'm confusing myself! Well, August 2nd/the 4th Twilight book can't come soon enough, and December 12, when the movie is released is SOOO exciting!

This is the trailer for the movie, in case you haven't seen it yet . . . it takes awhile to load, so be patient!

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=33429578