June Book

Our book for June will be Eve and the Choice Made in Eden, by Beverly Campbell. I have heard some mixed reviews on this one, but mostly good. I'm excited to review it and discuss with all of you.
From DeseretBook.com, "Is the way that women evaluate their own worth affected still by the biblical story of Mother Eve? Author Beverly Campbell suggests, "In much of the literature and in most of the histories referring to women there is an undercurrent of apology, as though there is something not quite 'all right' about being a woman. In looking for the source of this unease, I came to recognize that it could be traced to accounts of the Creation and to the ever-prevalent and negative characterizations of Eve."

She writes of three levels from which the story of Eden must be viewed: as historical fact, as a series of symbols and metaphors, and as a place for a beginning our own search for spiritual understanding and relevance in life. This compelling book may change forever your perception of our first parents and the choice they made."

Cards Galore!

For Mother's Day I made my mom and mom-in-love some cards to have on hand. I just wanted to keep a record of my creations so I can remember what I like and don't like.I love using paint chips to make cards. At Lowe's they have one paint brand with the square cute out already, it is perfect for card making! Paint chips are great because they're colorful and they're free!

Scarlet Pimpernel Discussion

Finally getting around to posting questions, sorry for the wait. My life has been a little busy the past few weeks, if you want an excuse. ;o) These questions were taken from GradeSaver.com.

1. Do you consider the narrator to be impartial? Does the narrator ally him or herself with a class, a country, a cause?


2. Who is the central protagonist in The Scarlet Pimpernel? In other words, who carries the emotional weight of the novel?


3. How is point-of-view a crucial device in the rendering of Percy? Do we ever experience events through his perspective? How is his heroism dependent upon the way he is seen?


4. At what point does Lady Blakeney become a sympathetic character? Would you consider her an unlikable character as she initially appears?


5. What purpose does the Comtesse de Tournay serve in the larger arc of the novel? Why do you think she disappears after the first section of the book?


6. How does Chauvelin manage to be a threatening villain without ever having to engage in physical combat with the Pimpernel? Is he ultimately threatening?


7. How is the Scarlet Pimpernel flower a larger motif for the themes of the novel? Does it fit Percy as a character?


8. Why doesn't Chauvelin have to die at the end of the book for a successful resolution? Would the novel have been more satisfying with a different resolution, or does the resolution as Orczy presents it fit the tenor of the book as a whole?


9. How does loyalty play a key role in the distinction between Percy succeeding and Chauvelin failing in achieving their goals? Are these respective men's followers equally loyal to their causes? Is their loyalty distinct?


10. Is Percy a less admirable hero for never physically taking on his enemies? What is his ultimate goal as the Scarlet Pimpernel?

Simple Pleasures

I've been tagged by my friend Liz.  Its a pleasant one and easy, so here goes...

List 5 Simple Pleasures.

1.  Listening to Ethan play the guitar and singing with him.

2.  My boys' laughter.

3.  Reading a fun book.

4.  Having a clean house.

5.  Looking at pictures of my family as we've changed throughout the years.

Creative Therapy

Just the other night I spent a couple hours making hair bows, when I was done I was beaming from ear to ear.  I told Ethan, "That is the only therapy I really need!"  I love to create things (especially when they turn out so great!)!  Here is a sampling of my latest creations:

I did a "Baby Shower in a Box" for my sis-in-law in MO.  She wanted some thank you cards and I fiddled around until I got something I liked and could make 15 of...

I also made my sis-in-law a blanket, as I was at Walmart to get ribbon to complete it I found this fabric.  She loves frogs, and so I couldn't pass this up.  I decided to try doing a "tag" blanket for her, this was the result.

Since she is having her first girl, I sent her a bunch of hair bows/clips... I feel like I'm getting pretty good at it now that I've had some practice (let me make it clear that these are the ones I've been practicing on, and are in no way perfect).  I should be rearing to go by the time my baby girl arrives...

My mom's boss went to a scrapbook fair and returned to give my mom some ribbon and flowers. She said she knew we liked to make cards and these were discontinued so they were cheap.  She figured if my mom didn't want them that I would, she was right!  Thanks Barbara!

Sorry some of the pictures aren't very good.  I need to get better at it, if I plan on selling stuff online.  Thanks for looking, its always fun to share what I love!

My new do...

I was able to have my sister-in-law Brindy cut my hair last weekend... what do you think?

I think this is funny...

You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

I think this fits me a lot better than Marianne Dashwood, maybe thats because its all positive. I'm so vain!

Why Have a Book Club...

I am currently reading a book entitled, "Men with a Mission 1837-1841 The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the British Isles."  When I got up at 4 this morning I read a passage that really impressed me.  The section of the book is discussing how important it was for the Apostles to be "observers of the world around them."  Brigham Young advised his son Brigham Jr. in 1862 to

"improve yourself to the utmost in studying good books and in associating with, and listening to, and profiting by, the conversation and experience of good persons."

So, my few fellow readers... thanks for helping me to follow a prophet.  I can read good books, but I need  you in order to follow all of his counsel.  

One other thing that Brother Brigham said (to a different son in 1855) I really liked...

"Listen attentively, and observe minutely the manners, customs, and remarks of all, for from the most humble of our fellow creatures an observing man can learn something that will be useful to him in after life."

I love this!  I try to be observant, but I don't know if I've placed the reason.  I completely agree that I can learn from even the "most humble of [my] fellow creatures."  It just validates that we are each important, not only to our Father in Heaven, but also to our brothers and sisters on the Earth.

Just for fun

I visited a blog recently of a girl I went to high school with, she had a link to this jewelry giveaway and in order to participate I need to link her to my blog... so here are the rules.  This jewelry is beautiful... I hope I win!

Just follow this link to Tickled Pink!  and you'll find the link to her new etsy shop Sass and Savvy Jewelry.  If you like what you see, you can enter too... but only until this Saturday!

UGLIES ***

So, I finished UGLIES by Scott Westerfield yesterday. It was a pretty good book. It was definitely an easy read with an interesting story, but it was lacking something for me. I wasn't totally involved with the characters and the story until perhaps the last section (its divided into 3 sections). The picture is Book 1 (UGLIES) and 2 (PRETTIES) of this 3 book series, the last book is called SPECIALS.

There were certainly things I enjoyed about the book. I really like science fiction, where an author has created some future for our (or other) world. It always intrigues me to see how imaginative an author can be while keeping it somewhat believable. This story takes place about 300 years from the time that the earth is nearly destroyed by humankind, that aspect of the story, to me, was fascinating. I also liked the main characters, Tally (I went back and forth while reading on whether to pronounce it with a long or short "A" sound), Shay and David. They weren't quite as captivating as other sci-fi characters for me, but they seemed real enough and I enjoyed my time with them.

There were things I didn't like about the book as well, most notably, the author seemed to have an agenda and the ending. Westerfield's agenda was mostly illustrated in his depiction of the "Rusties" (humankind before the earth's near death experience). I may be the only person that felt like he was trying to push some tree-hugging, but that was the impression I got. It frustrates me as a reader to feel like the author is using the story to manipulate me. The other thing I really disliked about the book was the ending. You know when you see a movie and its pretty good, but then the end isn't really the end... in order to see the real end you have to see the next movie... that is how this book ends. I feel like the author should just feel confident that he's written a good enough story that he's left the reader wanting more in such a way that will have to read the next one... not because the story isn't finished, but because the reader isn't finished. I don't know if that makes sense, but that is the best I can describe how I felt about the end of this book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I don't feel like I've gained any great insights into humanity or into myself, but I enjoyed myself. I'd probably give it 3 out of 5 stars... meaning I liked it. And I will be reading the next books in the series if for no other reason than to get the rest of the story.

Other Fun Stuff

I volunteered to decorate a cake for our Relief Society Birthday Party.  I wanted to do something really springy and this is what I came up with.  I got a little carried away, but everyone oohed and awed, it was fun.  Not what I envisioned, but I liked it alright...and the really important part...the taste, was perfect!  Oh and it earned me the responsibility of teaching a cake decorating class next month.  Anybody have any great ideas for teaching?

I think what I liked best about the cake was the leaf border around the bottom, it was so much fun to make and I think it looked lush and delicious!

Many of you know that I love to make cards, well, these were some fun ones that I "mass" produced one afternoon... they were so easy!  Mass producing is great, because you just cut the same things repeatedly and then glue the same, etc.  Granted, they could have ended up cuter, but for the amount of time and energy I put into them I think they are fabulous!  Then you end up with a lot of cute, handmade cards you can use for any occasion!

Book Tag

Jeni just got her first tag and is really excited! She just tagged me with this interesting one...

Here are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages).
2. Turn to page 123.
3. Find the 5th sentence
4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog
5. Tag 5 people

Book: UGLIES by Scott Westerfield (my current read)
Sentence:

Tally collapsed onto the bed, covering her face with her hands and sobbing.

Tag: Terra, Liz, KellyAnne, Kim V., Camille

I haven't even gotten this far in the book yet, so I have no idea what Tally is so upset about.

If I didn't tag you and you're dying to do it, please do...if I did tag you and you hate being tagged, please accept my apologies and I will not hold it against you if I don't see this on your blog! ;o)

For book club in my ward last month we read Jane Eyre, we all had different editions and learned that each edition had a different number of pages...wouldn't it be funny if we all had this tag then...

Which Jane Austen Heroine are you?

I found this on a friend's blog and thought it was fun...check it out and post your results in the comments. I don't necessarily agree with this one, but many of the characteristics do fit. Maybe I was just in an emotional mood while taking the test.

Take the Quiz here!

You are Marianne Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are impulsive, romantic, impatient, and perhaps a bit too brutally honest. You enjoy romantic poetry and novels, and play the pianoforte beautifully. To boot, your singing voice is captivating. You feel deeply, and love passionately.

Freakonomics Discussion ***

OK, so now you've read it (or are reading it) let the brawl begin...OK, no brawling actually, let's be nice to each other. :o) I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book and ideas presented therein.

Some of the questions may contain "spoilers" so I have indicated which chapter the question is dealing with if you really don't want to get any info about the content of the chapter before reading it.

• What is the purpose of the book?
  
• From the Introduction:Do you buy Levitt and Dubner's claim that conventional wisdom is often wrong? What is the role of conventional wisdom in society?
  
• From Chapter 1: Why do you think more parents at the Israeli day care came late after the financial penalty was added? Are their situations in your life where guilt is a better motivator than money?
  
• From Chapter 1: Do you believe Levitt and Dubner's findings about Chicago school teachers and sumo wrestlers cheating? Did the findings surprise you?
  
• From Chapter 2: How do you think the Internet is changing the information advantage of experts and secret societies (like real estate agents and the KKK)?
  
• From Chapter 3: Were you surprised by how similar the Black Disciples' organizational structure was to corporations like McDonalds? Why do you think people perceive drug dealers as well off financially?
  
• From Chapter 4: Do you buy Levitt and Dubner's argument that the drop in crime in the 1990s was the result of Roe v. Wade? What are the strengths and weaknesses of their argument?
  
• From Chapter 5 & 6: Do you agree that their is little parents can do to influence whether their children are successful? Do you think there are high-end and low-end names?
  
• Rate Freakonomics on a scale of one to five.
  

Remember, next month's book will be Scarlet Pimpernel, I'll try to post questions before the 15th!

Blogging Woes

I have had a few people have trouble accessing my blog since I change to my "cute" background...so I thought I'd change it to a regular blogger template and see if that fixes the problem.  Please let me know if you're having trouble or if this takes care of it!

Thanks!

April Book

Well, the people have spoken and the book this month is Freakonomics by Steven Levitt. I just finished it today and I think it will be a good discussion...that is, if you'll join me! It is a really easy read (I started it Sunday and only read while the kids were in bed for the night-keep in mind that this prego body of mine cannot stay awake very long while reading).

I do have to warn you that it has some controversial topics discussed and there are a couple of places that have bad language. To warn you in advance, the first happens in Chapter 2, How Is the Ku Klux Klan Like a Group of Real-Estate Agents? (page 70) in a conversation between two guys Kevin and Bob. Its not pertinent, so skip it if you'd like. The next chapter is Why Do Drug Dealers Still Live with Their Moms? In it there is a lot of discussion of gangs and there is a lot of bad language from their quotes. I'm sorry if you're terribly offended by our choice...I honestly didn't know the content when I suggested it, I'd just heard great things about it.

I hope you'll read this one, its not our typical read by any stretch of the imagination. It was quite enjoyable and offers some new perspectives to many subjects. And like I said, it should prove to be a great discussion. I'll post questions by April 8 and then you can respond as you read. Thanks for voting!

Oh, one last thing...since The Scarlet Pimpernel was such a close second (it really could have been a tie, if you read the comments to the post below) we'll plan on reading it in May! I'm going to go get my copy from the library this week.

April Anniversary!

Next month marks my first anniversary with blogging.
Help me celebrate by reading with me!

I'm posting a survey on the right, please vote for your choice to read in April.

Also, in the comments, please give me your ideas for future books.
If you'd like to be in charge of selecting the book and questions
I would love to have you! Let me know!

OUTRAGED!

I love the TV show LOST...this comes as no surprise to any of you. One of my favorite things to do after watching an episode to visit lostpedia to see what other people theorize about happenings in the show. I know its silly, but its fun. I have even had it linked from our family blog under "favorite sites."

Well, last night as I was reading about a new character I noticed on their sponsored links some very inappropriate pictures. I immediately closed that window and was appalled and outraged.

I know a lot of people think that stuff is OK, its the norm...yackety-schmackety. If people want to destroy their minds and spirits by viewing such vulgar material that is their prerogative. However, I choose to not subject myself to such vileness and feel completely angry, indignant, even livid when that choice is taken away from me.

Shame on those that prey on innocent web browsers. I thought I could trust a site and learned, regretfully, that I was wrong. I have since written a letter of complaint to the administrator of lostpedia expressing my concern and hope to make a difference, though I doubt I will-I'm losing my hope in humanity.

So many emotions for one little (and growing) body

So much has happened in the last little while, I have experienced the highest of highs and some pretty low lows. Since there is little evidence that anyone reads this blog anyway, I figure I can "share" some personal feelings. :) This is pretty much written like a journal entry and (as you all know) I am very long-winded. You don't need to feel anything for me, just getting it out there is therapeutic, so thanks for letting me try to make sense of all these mixed up emotions.

Moving really takes it out of you. So does being pregnant. I have been completely exhausted lately and I attribute much of my emotions to that exhaustion. While moving every 3 months isn't my ideal, it the moving itself hasn't been so bad...its the lack of friendship that is really wearing on me. I feel SO isolated going from one place to the next. Don't get me wrong there are definitely nice people wherever we've gone and I have made some friends that I will probably keep in touch with, even if not very frequently. But I miss having friends I feel like I can call and say, "Hey, can I come over, we can let the kids play, we can chat..." I've been lucky to have nice places to live that aren't multiple family units, but along with that, we've pretty much been on our own. With only one car, I get stuck at home all day, except when I take the kids out for a walk. Even then, we haven't lived close enough to friends to walk to their houses. So basically, my need for time with friends has been solely found on the phone (hence 3000+ minutes in one month). I am very lucky to have such great friends and family who will talk to me. My isolation isn't as bad as it could be, thank goodness!

Yesterday, I had an ultrasound. Everything looks good with the baby, measuring about the same as my due date ( a little big, but it is one of my babies). We also found out that we will be welcoming our first baby girl this summer. This filled me with many mixed emotions, best summed up with one word, anxiety.

Excitement, of course! Even though there are many people out there who think I'm not excited, I am truly excited. I have said all along that I would be happy with a girl at this point, but I wasn't dying to have one. You all know that my life's happiness wasn't dependent upon having a girl. I'll be able to do lots of fun things with my daughter that probably wouldn't happen with all boys. I really look forward to that. Excitement is part of anxiety, so it fits with my one word choice.

Another part of my anxiety stems from the change that will happen to our family. Girls are different...in too many ways to even imagine. Granted, most aren't a big deal, but as a whole its a lot of change. For instance, changing diapers will be different. I'll have to explain all the anatomy differences to my boys. We'll be forced to get all new clothes (which of course, could be fun, but $ isn't growing on any trees at our house). Speaking of which, do I keep my boy clothes for future or can I just get rid of them now and possibly be in the same predicament next time around. One other change mostly just affects me, rather than the whole family. I don't know why it matters, but for some reason it does to me. I, for my entire life, have been the "only girl" in my immediate family. That will now change and it is kind of freaking me out. I guess I don't know where I'll stand anymore or something like that. I know that is totally dumb, but my whole perception of the world has revolved around my place in the family and that place has always been the only girl. Anyhow, I have some anxiety about having a girl for all of these and other reasons.

I also have been stressed by the class I have been taking to finish my degree. For those of you who haven't heard this horrid tale, I'll explain. 5 years ago I graduated from Weber State University with a BS in Sociology. However, prior to having Bryant I suffered the loss of a miscarriage and for one reason or another it threw me into a deep depression. (I say "one reason or another" because I have had lots of friends suffer a miscarriage and none of them have been in the throws of despair like I was). Well, the semester I had my loss I was taking Sociological Statistics. I was doing really well in the class, 100% on the first test...then my baby died and with it all my ambition. I stopped going to class, I stopped going to work, I stopped functioning as much as possible without becoming a vegetable (maybe it wasn't that bad). Well, I was able to pull passing grades in most of my classes that semester and a lot of my professors showed mercy, but this one, not so much. I got like 73% on test 2 but I didn't do 5 of the 8 assignments. I clearly had an understanding of what the professor expected me to know as I got 97% on the final. However, because I had only completed 3 busy work assignments I didn't pass the class with a C or better which was needed to fill the requirement for graduation. Well, I was pretty bitter...at the professor and at myself for being a slacker. Finally after 4 years had gone by I decided to do some research to find a class to fill the requirement that I could do either online or independent study; enter BYU Psychological Statistics. Now this class was so much harder than my class at WSU, so it really stressed me out. On February 23, 2008 I took my final exam in the class! It took me over 2 1/2 hours! My brain hurt, it was the hardest test I have ever taken in my life! But I did it...if only I could pass that class my unofficial graduation could become official. Well, wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles I found out today that I passed the final and the class with a B grade! HOORAY!!!! I am so thrilled! So happy! So proud (the good kind)!

And finally, many of you know the many ups and downs of mothering. Well, we have undertaken the biggest roller coaster of all-potty training! Jonas was finally ready and so we have had him in underwear all week. He is doing really well which is super exciting, but of course with success there is also some room for improvement (read-accidents). I have been praying everyday that I can be a good mom and not overreact to these and so far the Lord has blessed me.

I am so thankful for the many experiences of this life, good and bad. I am learning so much about myself and about how to rely on the Lord. That doesn't mean I'm having an easy time. When I'm up, I'm really up....when I'm down, you know how it goes. I can't think of a time I've been so happy, but so morose about it. I'm one mixed up duck, but at least I'm enjoying the journey...because who know where the destination will be.

Austenland ***-

Am I a little past the date I promised for discussion questions? I can't seem to remember...oh well! Did you read the book? It got a nice plug from Terra's blog, so hopefully some of you got a chance to delve in to some fun chick-lit. Even though my brain is totally preoccupied with unpacking and I read the book a few weeks ago, here's my attempt at guiding a discussion...feel free to explore more than just these topics.

What did you think of the story?

What was your opinion of Jane as an Austen heroine? What similarities and differences can you find with Hale's Jane and Austen's many heroines?

Deep down inside, if you're being totally honest with yourself and money were not an issue, would you consider going to a resort like this?

How did Mr. Nobley's character affect you? The gardener? What emotions did you experience with Jane?

What surprised you? What did you predict?

Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?

Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?

Hope all is well and to hear from you soon!