2011 Reading

Since I'm not likely to read another book before the end of the year, I'm going to go ahead with my book year in review post. So if you're looking for anything to read, hopefully this list will help!

"Persuasion" by Jane Austen

Had never read this one before and decided to give it a whirl. It was definitely more mature than her other novels, but still very enjoyable with both lovable and hate-able characters.

"The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova

I had read this one before a few years ago when it first came out but wanted to read it again. This one is definitely not for the faint of heart. It's full of history, almost to the point of it reading like a primary source. But the majority of the information has a purpose to the complex story. Just an FYI, this is for the die-hard, classic vampire fan. No shiny pretty boys here!

"Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know by Alexandra Horowitz

I did and I didn't like this one. It was ultra complex; like reading a really boring text book. But it was cool to get inside my dogs head a little bit.

"Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan

For a dog owner, this book was hilarious, well written, touching, and thought provoking. However I think it would be the same for a non-dog owner. Note: Scott actually read this book. Seriously. He loved it. Scott is not a reader.

"Dracula" by Bram Stoker

After reading "The Historian" again, I had to go back and read one of my favorite books of all time. Such a classic read.

"Enchanted Inc #1-4 by Shanna Swendson

I really enjoyed the first two books of this series. Really fun take on modern magic and wizards. But the last 2 dragged a bit and it felt like the same old story.

"The Throne of Fire (Kane Chronicles #2) by Rick Riordan

2nd book in the series. These are fun kid/tween books if you're in to Egyptian stuff. They're also fun as they're told from kids perspective. I enjoy reading kids books as I don't have to worry about being offended by anything. I can just enjoy the story.

"Austenland" by Shannon Hale

Clever story about an a woman who goes to England for the ultimate Austen experience: costumes, food, language; takes you back in time as if you were in an Austen novel. Complete with dashing Mr. Darcy-ish strangers.

"Whiter Than Snow" by Sandra Dallas

My sister got me hooked on Sandra Dallas' novels. She has the ability to take you back in time to a simpler and harsher time. This one had several intertwining stories about a town high in the Colorado mountains struck by the tragedy of an avalanche. Themes of friendship, forgiveness and acceptance.

"Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker

Also referred to as the 'lost first chapter' of Dracula. Interesting. Creepy. Fun!

"Buster Midnight's Cafe" by Sandra Dallas

Fun story told by two old crows about their best friend who became a Hollywood star.

"The Confession" by John Grisham

Classic Grisham; however this one was really thought provoking. If you're pro death penalty, it'll make you think twice. If you're anti death penalty, it'll also make you think twice. I read reviews that said it was ultra political - and I suppose it was in a way. But Grisham manages to help you see both sides of the issue.

"Peter Pan" by JM Barrie

Hadn't ever read this one before. Really great; but a surprisingly violent for a kids book!

"Book of a Thousand Days" by Shannon Hale

Really great, interesting take on a fairy tale. Set in medieval Mongolia, it's a "Prince and the Pauper" meets "Cinderella" meet "Rapunzel" - but with Yaks and a not so charming Prince.

"1105 Yakima Street" by Debbie Macomber.

#11 in the Cedar Cove series. I want to live in Cedar Cove and be neighbors with all these wonderful people!

"Prayers for Sale" by Sandra Dallas

Another great story of love and friendship. I found I could relate to both of the main characters in small ways, and I learned a thing or two about quilting and what it means to accept people. You can find friends in unlikely places.

"A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron

Another great one for dog lovers. I laughed and I cried as I followed a dog as he keeps being reborn into a puppy and trying to figure out why. All he wants to do is love his "boy" and be near him.

"Ten Miles Past Normal" by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Silly teen novel. Not sure why it sounded interesting to me.

"The Bride's House" by Sandra Dallas

My favorite Dallas novel so far. This book follows the story of 2 women connected through a house in a mining town in Colorado. Very clever and sweet. Dallas loves to use the themes of love, friendship and forgiveness in clever ways.

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

I did and I didn't like this book. I enjoyed the story; the bravery of these women and what they went through. Delicious characters, some were lovable and SO hate-able. My complaint was the extreme over use of the Lord's name in vain. So sue me or call me over sensitive. Call me intolerant because it's such and important book. Well, it is a great story but there was no excuse of the language.

"The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1) by Rick Riordan

More Demi-Gods!! Woo hoo!! This book ties in to the Percy Jackson series, but different characters and different versions of the gods. So fun! Again, I love reading kids books.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson

I had watched the made-for-TV movie of this book a hundred times as a kid but never read the book. So. Classic.

"Jacob T. Marley" by R. William Bennett

I really enjoyed this book! I was a bit suspicious of it at first because I'm such a fan of Dickens and the "Christmas Carol", but I'm glad I read it. Bennett writes in a similar style and does Dickens justice with the back story of Marley. We find out a little bit of why Marley was Marley and why Scrooge was Scrooge.

"1225 Christmas Tree Lane" by Debbie Macomber

Last in the Cedar Cove series and I am so sad. I loved this series. Fun story to finish up on!

"Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham

I've made it a habit to read this one every year and it doesn't get old. I still laugh. And the longer I'm married to my accountant husband the more I laugh about Luther Krank's antics. Quick and fun read; Grisham's humor is so classic.

Public Service Announcement

Please beware of the false Santa. Though devilishly cute, the false Santa cannot be trusted and has a particular knack for looking completely innocent of any wrong doing. On Christmas Eve night please hide your cookies.

Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!!!

I Am Thankful For...

As usual I'm late with my posting. Eh - y'all will get over it right? I like Thanksgiving. It's such a relaxing holiday. This year especially as it was just me and Scott and my parents. We had a really nice day...other than in the morning when Scott and I decided to tackle my parent's Christmas lights. Surprisingly no one fell down, there were very few cuss words and the majority of the lights worked. I'd say that's a success.

Anyway, since I neglected to do the daily thankfuls on Fb I thought I'd do a blog post. Sorry if you get bored. You're welcome to quit at anytime.

I'M THANKFUL FOR...

*My handsome, nerdy, understanding, patient, funny husband. I can't even explain how much he means to me and how much I love and adore him.

*My smart, funny, handsome, playful dog. I don't know what we'd do without him. He has brought us so much joy. We are obsessed with him.

*My parents. After Scott, my mom is my best friend. I know I'm too old to be so attached to my mother and need her, but who cares? I'm a Mamma's girl :) Oh and Gary - he's ok too. Just had more tests and is still cancer free. Woo hoo!

*Sue & Scott, Sean & Melissa, Scott & Cecily. They're a lot of fun to hang with and I learn a lot from them.

*Mark, Brian, Kylie, Brady, Cade, Olivia, Lincoln, Lleyten, Taft, Eden, Jaz & McCoy. They are adorable, funny and make me so happy.

*Mom, Dad, Missy, Mel, Ryan, Tom, Tony & Nate. My in-laws are the greatest. They are such wonderful and caring people.

*My friends. I love you and am grateful for you. You make me laugh, you go to lunch with me, and you don't make fun of me (to my face) when I do stupid stuff. So thanks!

*My Savior Jesus Christ. I've felt his love and I know he cares about little ole me.

*The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I haven't always been grateful for it or even cared about it. But I know where I'd be without it and No. Thanks. The Church isn't always popular; it's not always 'politically correct', it's not always easy. But it's real. And it's true. I'm so thankful for the gospel in my life.

*Our temple sealing. What a wonderful peace it brings to me. If I didn't know my family could be together forever, I don't think I could have survived losing two babies. I know they're waiting for us!

*Our jobs.

*Our apartment. Yeah - we had our heart set on a place of our own, but we have a cozy roof over our heads and a/c in the summer so we're good :)

*Scott is almost done with school. Can't. Wait.

*aspen trees and waterfalls. They make me happy.

*blankets to snuggle under.

*learning experiences. Trials suck. But I'm grateful I've been able to step back and learn from them.

*Zoloft. I'm just gonna throw that out there. Oh - and Priolsec. Yeah. Totally grateful for both of those.

*Hair color. Seriously. I'm already so unfortunate looking so to add gray hairs to that is just so not fair!

*Scott's financial geekiness. Sometimes I want to smack him; but the majority of the time I'm so grateful that he's so organized and analytical about finances. It's so fun to be 6 months ahead on a car payment and know that if something comes up we don't have to pay it. Also great to have a savings account.

*Brita water filters. I'm a pansy and have to have filtered water but I don't want to add to the bottled water problem.

I know there's more but I need to sleep now. Nighty-night everyone!

Never Again!

Dexter went to his forever home on Thursday. I can't believe how attached we were to him so quickly. I will NEVER AGAIN rescue and foster a dog. It's too painful. While we are happy to take him from a horrid situation and place him in a great one, it was so sad. He was a total sweetie. We are sad; however, I couldn't be happier with the family he went to. We'd gotten several calls about him and had appointments set for people to come meet him. But when this man called I had a really good feeling about him. (Sadly, I can't remember his name!) An older gentleman and his wife and a 17 year old daughter. They'd had Dachshunds in the past and knew just how to care for them. It was such a relief not to have to worry about explaining how to care for their backs or how to pick him up.

When this nice man came over, Dexter went right to him, tail wagging like crazy. It's like he knew and he was letting me know that "hey! I like this guy!" The man picked him up and Dexter gave him kiss after kiss and snuggled right up to him. I teared up because I was happy and sad at the same time. I couldn't be happier with his new family. And Chewy couldn't be happier that he doesn't have to share our attention with anyone else. He did like playing with Dexter, but boy was he bitter when Dexter curled up on Scott's lap! I mean, how dare he! ;)

So now I've done it. I rescued a sweet boy, nursed him back to health, and found him a forever home, and figured out that I don't have the nerves to be a doggy foster mom.

Dexter & stuff

Normally if Petsmart is doing and adoption outside their store, I hold my hands to the side of my face and look straight ahead so I can't see all the cute dogs that need homes. A couple of weeks ago I ran over to Petsmart by my work to grab some food for Chewy, and there he was. A little, tiny Dachshund in one of the cages. Against my better judgement I went over for a closer look and saw that he was emaciated and shaking, and my heart just broke. Again, against my better judgement I asked one of the women outside who was with the shelter that brought the dogs about the little doxie. She said he was an owner surrender and that he's refused to eat and been really depressed since being in the shelter. She dumped him because he liked to chase her cats. My heart broke a little more.

After buying Chewy's food I got in the car and called Scott...and now he's home with us. Our brains told us no, our hearts wouldn't hear of it. Turns out the little guy was not only way too skinny, but had an upper respiratory infection. But now he's neutered, over his infection, and slowly starting to fatten up. We adore him. Chewy adores him. My parents adore him. We wanted to name him Han Solo, but he already answered to Dexter and we didn't want to confuse him. But he's still the Han Solo to our Chewy :)

Our adoption benefit went SO amazingly well. We were completely blown away by the love and support we received. We thought we'd be lucky to get $300; we would have been ecstatic to get $500. We were totally overwhelmed when the tally reached a little over $1700!!! That's a little over half of what we needed for a birth mom so we're thrilled.

Next up in the process is meeting with our assigned case worker, where we smile and nod and try to exude confidence that we will be okay parents. Wish us luck!!

Bang Head Here

When I'm not at work, I'm sewing. When I'm not at work or sewing, I'm passed out in bed. So needless to say I've been MIA on the blog.

Our adoption benefit is this Saturday!! It has taken up most of my time, but it'll be a good thing...I hope. In a way I'm terrified about it. Scared no one will show up, and if they do show up, will look at everything and say, "I can make that myself! Why would I buy it?" When we first decided to begin the adoption process, we were ready as far as the fees were concerned...or so we thought! Then we were told about the money for the birth mom (money for things she needs such as rent, utilities, maternity clothes, etc). We didn't want to stop the process, but we also wanted to make sure we had all the money we needed before moving forward. We'd heard about people doing fundraisers and we were kind of against it; not because we don't think it's a good idea but because we don't like asking for help. That's when I got a very distinct prompting to "let them help you". So we're letting people help us and we have been BLOWN AWAY by the support. I've had donations from some women I've never even met that wanted to help. How amazing is that?

Meanwhile, we're getting out paperwork together. Can I just say it's SO frustrating trying to prove that we'll do an okay job being parents when you see people beating their kids, etc? The most difficult part of this process is not getting bitter. I worked SO hard not to get bitter about infertility and I can proudly say it passed and I'm okay now. Sure, it sometimes felt like a punch in the stomach when a pregnancy announcement came, but it passed and I was genuinely happy for my friends. But now there's a new aspect with the adoption process that I have to work through. There was a woman that came in to SportClips and was the biggest B*&$%^ and I thought, "why didn't she have to be approved to be a parent??" Then I had to shake my head and start singing a hymn in my head ... don't be bitter... don't be bitter...

And speaking of not being bitter, I'm supposed to be in Yellowstone NP for our yearly trip. I can't even think about it or I just about cry. Scott couldn't get the time off because of school. Grrrrr.

Don't be bitter.... don't be bitter....

Fun stuff, yes?!?

P.S. Pray for no rain on Oct. 8th!!!!!! At least till after 2pm...then I don't care.

Happy Anniversary to Us

August 16th was our 4 year anniversary! Crazy! In some ways it's gone by so fast; and then when we count how many times we've moved it's just depressing. We've had major heartbreak in 4 years with losing 2 babies; or moving to Texas because that's what WE wanted and then quickly finding out that it SO wasn't what the Lord wanted for us. But we've had a TON of fun and joy packed into 4 years too! Our marriage and relationship mean everything to us!

We did some serious celebrating this year! Scott surprised me earlier in the year with tickets to see Josh Groban! The concert was amazing - despite the ESA's horrible acoustics. Our seats were actually pretty good too. The camera on my iPhone really stinks so the below video is blurry and you can't see him, but you can hear his angelic voice!

And dearest Scott has had a cold all week and never said a word of complaint. What a trooper! After the concert we went to the Anniversary Inn and stayed in the Palace Suite. It was really cool. I have to say the waterfall jetted tub was the highlight.

Then on Tuesday, the actual day of our anniversary, we went out to the Cheesecake Factory. Mmmmm! I grossed poor Scott out with my salmon and shrimp, to which he was grateful for his plugged up nose so he couldn't smell it.

In other news, we've decided to move ahead with the adoption process. We went to an orientation last year at LDS Family Services and felt that we weren't there yet. While doing sealings in the temple a few months back, the word "adoption" just kept coming to my head and wouldn't stop. I was surprised to say the least. I was so worried to bring it up to Scott because I knew he just wasn't there yet. We talked about it and both decided we didn't know when, but we'd look into it further. Little did we know our calling as teachers to 5 squirrely 5 year old boys would have such an impact on our decision! We can't believe how much we've grown to love those little squirrels. Those boys have had more to do with Scott's decision to adopt than anything.

So we're going to move forward and see what happens. We're going to have a benefit boutique/garage sale on October 8th that y'all are invited to! We've had a huge response and feel so blessed at all the wonderful people that are willing to donate things to sell.

Wish us luck!!! We're excited to see what this year brings!