Good Times!

So, last week I got a pass to my local recreation center so I could go walking. I need an "out" and I need the boost that regular exercise will bring. I went Mon-Fri and didn't try to kill myself the first week. I tend to injure myself if I do. I had the regular soreness that accompanies the first week of walking, but nothing too discouraging. I'm ready to do it again this week! This week I'll pick up a few more jogging laps to make it more of a workout. :) Yay!

Well, this weekend we hit the Provo area on Saturday. We visited Isaac's brother and family. He made us a delicious turkey lunch and Joybeth showed me her first sewing project! She made an apron and did a fabulous job! I think its so cool that she's picking up sewing. Jacob and Isabel had fun playing with Ethan's toys.

Next, we stopped and Brandon and Emily Sanderson's to drop of a few things. We didn't stay long but it was fun to visit for a little bit and get to see Joel. He's so cute!

We ended up Christie and Shawn Boyles house last. Isaac and Shawn worked on RRT, the kids played, and Christie made us heavenly potato chowder in homemade bread bowls. It was DELICIOUS!! Every time we go over there Christie is cooking up something wonderful. She's a great cook! After dinner, we played some really fun games where it was decided that Isaac knows almost nothing about me. LOL!! It was pretty fun! We also learned a new card game that is really fun! I can't wait to play it again!

Sunday was pretty typical except Isabel and I stayed home due to her dry heaving in the middle of the night and her complaining that her stomach hurt. She took a nap and was obviously feeling better afterwards. Jacob and Isabel spent a lot of the night making up silly dances to music. It was fun to watch! They play so well together. :) Isaac and I had fun playing on his computer designing us a new kitchen. We figured out a rough estimate of how much it would cost and now we know how much we need to save. It actually wasn't too bad! We also discussed some of the other things we want to do to our house to make it more "our home". I'm excited to see the changes as the year progresses...

Also, on Sunday, Joybeth had her baby! Congrats to them! :)

Well, this week is Isabel's birthday so we'll be planning and looking forward to that on Friday. She's gonna be 6!! My how time flies.... So, I'm curious what your favorite 'Isabel Story' is... please tell!!

MLK!

I had a great 3-day weekend! Friday I came home from work and took a nap (I was exhausted from being up with Jacob and his upset stomach the night before), woke up just in time to go to a Pampered Chef party with some women in my new ward, came home and relaxed with my hubby while we watched some of 'Buffy' Season 2.

I slept in on Saturday, relaxed most of the day, and went on a fun date with Isaac. We hit Lowe's (looked at possible bathroom ideas), Dave's Famous BBQ (which had the most scrumptious smoked salmon cheese spread I have ever tasted!!!), and then watched 'The Prestige' at home. Fascinating movie. There wasn't really a defined good guy....

Sunday I didn't sleep in quite as long, as I needed to put some finishing touches on my Sharing Time presentation for Primary. Then we headed to church where Sharing Time was a hit and the speakers were not. Seriously, I have never zoned out so completely! Isaac and I were giggling at our 'family trees'. Yes, we were being irreverent...and yes it was fun. After church, I picked up the kids for a little bit so Jacob could practice his piano. Then we dropped them back off, and headed to Richard and Hollie's were we enjoyed a marvelous dinner and really fun games. Ryan and Kali were there and we learned how to play one of the games Ryan has created. It was really fun and very well done!

Today, I slept in a little bit, picked up my kids, and we relaxed at home most of the day. Richard came over to do homework and Hollie came after she got off work. We had dinner together and soon the kids got picked up. We were supposed to split the day today, but Jimmy ended up having to go to Provo so I had my kids all day. We were all very happy about that! :) I also signed up with the rec center and even went walking tonight! It's something I'm really excited about and something that I really need in my life. Yay!

Well, that was my wonderful weekend. Lots of relaxing and great company! :)

What did you do??

A Curse Dark as Gold

So I just finished reading a book title "A Curse Dark As Gold." It a retelling of the story 'Rumplestilskin' but with a more realistic taste to it. Better character motivation and great twists and turns! The writing was excellent and the story very compelling. Definitely worth reading and owning! I received it for Christmas from my brother-in-law Dan and was thrilled to finally read it! I'm giving it a four instead of a five due to the slow beginning. So, if you read it, remember to be patient at the beginning...

Slump

I'm in a slump. And I don't know why. I am completely unmotivated to do anything productive. Well, I guess I am still going to work, taking care of my adorable children, and fixing dinner for my family... but other than that I don't want to do anything except read, watch, or sleep! I'm really hoping it will wear off soon.... my 'wreck room' really needs some attention... at least all my Christmas stuff is down...

A Perk

One of my favorite perks (there are many!) about being a sister to a writer is I get to read things early. After waiting a good two years, I finally got to read the complete story of "Life After Theft" this last week. It was fantastic!! I read it in one day and then had to call and gush with Aprilynne about how awesome it is! I can't wait to actually see it in print cuz I know she'll sell it! Anyways... I would apologize for gushing about a book no one else gets to read... but I'm not sorry!! Good job, again, Aprilynne!!

Book Review Catch Up!

Okay. So, I'm still frustratingly sick, but I think I'm finally on the road to getting better. I'm really hoping so otherwise blood may get spilt....

Anyways. Book reviews. Here are my opinions on the last four books I've read:

"The Tales of Beetle the Bard"
By JK Rowling

I'm a huge Harry Potter fan so I had to get this book when it came out. Its a quick and fun read. The notes by Dumbledore give some good insight into the deeper meaning or morals of the stories. Quite fascinating. Definitely worth buying to add to my Harry Potter Collection.

"Leven Thumps: The Wrath of Ezra" (Book 4)
By Obert Skye

I enjoy the Leven Thumps series. It is a different style of writing that is quirky, but tells a great story. Book 4 has some good twists and kept me anxious for the end of the book and wondering how the climax was going to play out. I was not disappointed! Great characters and good humor, this book has me strumming my fingers for the next, and final, book. A great series!

"The Brothers"
By Chris Stewart

This book is the first in a series and was recommended by a co-worker. It is LDS fiction about the last days/millinial times. I thought it sounded interesting so I picked it up. Then, I started reading it and couldn't put it down. It's very intriguing. The first book actually takes place in the Pre-earth life and spins a story that portrays that this "war" on earth started a long time ago. There is a big disclaimer at the beginning stating to not take anything in this book as doctrine, but I found many of the author's ideas similar to my own. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking for a chance to pick up book #2.

"The Candy Shop War"
By Brandon Mull

I loved this book! Basically it is about a couple of wizards that use kids to do their bidding and bribe them by giving them magic candy to accomplish the tasks. The different kids have to figure out who the good and bad guys are then choose sides. Then, there is a marvelous twist at the end. Very well written! Highly recommended!

So, I guess that's it! I'm hoping to pick up another book soon. I got some for Christmas and a few that I need to catch up on. I love reading and need to make more time for it!

Happy New Year!