Family Photo

Last fall we had another family photo taken. It's still not on our wall but I love how it turned out.

There He Goes

Ty decided he was ready to ride a bike. It took Bryan two minutes and Ty was off. Now all he wants to do is ride his bike all day!

Dreams of Gods and Monsters

"And as for myths, some are made up, nothing but fantasy. But some myths are true. Some have already been lived. And in the drift of time, eternal and entire, some haven't...Some myths are prophecy."

Several years ago I heard of a book called, 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone.' It got great reviews and so I checked it out from the library. Usually, I page through an unknown book to see if I'll like it. Kind of like how I read the end of a book first. It doesn't ruin it for me but instead I get excited to read it. Well, with this book I paged through and decided it wasn't for me. I'm sure I had a pile of books to get through and it just seemed weird. I took it back without reading even the first page. Fast forward a year or two and I just kept hearing great things about this series and so I finally read not only 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' but 'Days of Blood and Starlight.' Well written, creative, fantasy, desperate, heart wrenching and breaking, loving, sacrifice, forgiving and revenge, and on and on the word list goes to describe this series. And that was before the final book of 'Dreams of Gods and Monsters'. The last book is over 600 pages long and yet I enjoyed EVERY page of it. When you think it's over and still have 150 pages to go you think you'd get bored but Laini Taylor just keeps bringing in more twists to the story. The last book follows Akiva (the angel) and Karou (the human who was once Chimera) and their struggles to regain their world while saving Earth. Don't let that description scare you away. Go on their journey with them. I did and I'm having that feeling of it not wanting to end. I don't want to start another book because I want to live with these characters in my head for just a little while longer. "It was not a happy ending, but a happy middle--at last, after so many fraught beginnings." And now--I better get back to real life.

Just Because

I love this picture of Ty. I had nothing else to blog today and so decided to put this one up. I love the blue shirt with his blue eyes. He is almost done with kindergarten and will be on to first grade in a couple of months! One funny thing about Ty is he is very fast to say I'm sorry but unfortunately he sometimes does things he KNOWS he shouldn't and then thinks the I'm sorry makes up for it. We're working on what I'm sorry really means. Love him!

If you're looking for something to read...

The last two books I read were both YA and I thought they were fairly well done. The first is from Shannon Hale and is called 'Dangerous.' It is quite different from her popular 'Goose Girl' and 'The Princess Academy'. It is somewhat of a science fiction book. I liked it because it seemed like an everyday girl meets boy and it was believable. But then technology, aliens, and powers came into play. It was a good light read. The second book was my favorite of the two. Of course that may be because I just finished it last night. It's called 'The Winner's Curse' by Marie Rutkoski. Set on some alternate world where the Empire (not Star Wars) has taken over half the known planet. One country has been conquered and are now in slavery to the Empire. The daughter of a general must choose between marriage and military. But then she buys a slave and all sorts of plots and fun things happen. The biggest bummer is that it came out last month and so the next one in the trilogy is a year away! Both have lead female characters and I have to admit there is nothing new or startling about the plots or characters. Still, I liked them.

Here I Am

Although I don't spend the time on the blog like I used to--I don't even check my friends blogs anymore--I've decided to not give up. I am not great about keeping a journal and so this is really a family history for me. So in photos here is a brief synopsis of whats happened the last 10 months. T-ball, trek, Ty starting Kindergarten, summer fun with family, painting, picnics with the fire pit, winning the GFL, Principal Pride award, Christmas, and more sports. This year is nearly half over so let's hope I do a better job of keeping up! They are in no particular order since I am having issues with Blogger. It is one of the reasons I haven't updated for so long. Every time I try I get so frustrated!

Champion

Over the last year I have concluded several YA series. On the most part I have been somewhat disappointed by a great majority of them. It often seems like the author came up with a great idea and the first book was great. But then it's as if they don't know how to finish it. It's happened again and again. It's very discouraging. Now, I'm not saying it's easy to write a book. I know it's not. It takes a ton of work. I do get that. It doesn't meant I can't recognize when a story suffers from the first to the last. I just finished a series that did not do this. The first book is called Legend, then Prodigy, and the last was Champion. The first was great, the second was still kind of a middle filler book but ended with a great cliff hanger. The third wrapped it all up--but not perfectly neatly. It was believable. The author, Marie Lu, took her idea and went with it. The story was messy, heartbreaking at times, and full of character redemption. It ended with hope and encouragement even through there was also sacrifice and trials. I loved the way this book ended. It left me feeling happy and content. I didn't want to start another book for a few days because I just wanted to bask in the ending and possibilities before the characters I had just left. Not all books can do that and it makes me doubly grateful for the ones that can.

Pre-School Graduation

Ty graduated from pre-school last month and they had a little ceremony. They sang some songs, did some dancing, and got their diplomas. I think he is excited for kindergarten!

The Dad Chair

Bryan has always wanted a chair just for him. His dad always had a chair. Unfortunately when we bought our sectional it took up most the space in our family room. However, for his birthday this year we found a way to  put in a chair for him. There isn't much room! But we make it work! After we paint there should be a tiny bit more space because we'll move the couch over a little. I know he loves it and is grateful to have his comfy place to relax. For his birthday he also got some new tools from Ty and a survival knife from Lucas--because everyone needs a big ol' knife--right?

Spring and Summer Sports

 Ty finished up his first season of t-ball last night. I LOVE t-ball. It is humorous to watch four and five year old children learn to play. Plus, there is no stress, no pressure, just pure fun. Next for Ty--swimming lessons!!

Lucas has begun rugby practice and his first games will be tomorrow. He is tough (mostly) when he gets hurt. Here a kid ran up his leg and left cleat marks. Lucas didn't complain once.

Fan Fest 2013

 We used to love going down to Provo in August for the Meet the Team event at BYU. But the last few years have been so crazy (too many people) that we didn't even go this year. Last week they did some smaller ones in different places and we went to one in Sandy. Lucas was trilled to get a photo with Cody Hoffman and Taysom Hill.

 Ty loved Cosmo! Plus, he went home with a balloon T-Rex which he held very carefully so that it wouldn't pop. I think it even lasted a few days before Ty started popping the balloons himself.

Lucas is in the back and Ty is somewhere in the uniform in front. He has no arms because they were inside holding up the pads and jersey. We loved the event and hope they do this every year!

Five Years Old!!

Ty turned 5 years old last week. He was so excited for his birthday this year. He is at such a fun age where he realizes that birthdays mean presents and cake and ice cream and special cereal for breakfast. I am so grateful for this happy little boy. He is a helper and a hard worker. He has a positive attitude (mostly) and loves to cook with me, play video games with Bryan, and do whatever Lucas is doing. I'm so happy came to us five years ago!!

T-Ball

I'd forgotten how fun it is to watch four year old boys and girls play t-ball. You cheer for them when they simply go to first base instead of third or when they pick up the ball and throw it. Ty's favorite thing is running from base to base, although talking to everyone as he makes his way around the bases to home is a close second. I'd also forgotten why spring ball is not fun. It's cold! Hopefully by next week the sun will be shining and I won't be dressed in four layers to stay warm! I'll post an actual picture of him playing when I take one.

Wonder

Wonder is about a boy named August who was born with extreme facial deformity. The book is about his first year going to school because he had  been home-schooled his whole life. He is in the 5th grade. This book  is well written. It made me laugh and it made me cry by page 87. The funny thing is I didn't cry over Aggie as much as I did some of the other characters. The themes of not judging others and of always being kind are weaved throughout the book. The author doesn't give explanations for all poor behavior but in reading through the book there are characters you think are mean or selfish that you realize had reasons for their behavior. It reminds me how hard middle school and high school can be, even when you look normal. It reminded me that while there are truly mean and bitter people around, most people are kind-hearted and do want to do what is right, they just sometimes don't know how to or are afraid to step out from the crowd and be that person to say something.

One of my favorite quotes from the book was given by the director of the school to the 5th and 6th graders who were graduating. He gives a quote by J.M. Barrie that is found in 'The Little Bird.' It says, 'Shall we make a new rule  of life...always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?' He then speaks of a quote from Christopher Nolon in, 'Under the Eye of the Clock.' In this quote a boy named Joseph realized he can recognize the face of God in those who showed him kindness and caring. The school director goes on to say this to his students.
       "If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are,  whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary--the world really would be a better place.  And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God."

If you're looking for a great book--this is one to read.

Silly Boy

 Lucas has hated this winter because even though there isn't much snow--there is snow. Because of the cold and snow he hasn't been able to go out back and play football. One day he was so tired of the snow he went out back and SHOVELED the backyard to make a football field.

It was late when I took these pictures and so they're  a little dark but you can still tell where he shoveled. He is so funny sometimes and we love his determined and stubborn attitude--most of the time.

Catch Up

I haven't posted for so long that to catch up I'll do a quick review of the last few months!

Halloween was lots of fun because the weather was soooo nice and  warm. Lucas was an army guy and Ty was Batman--again. He refused the costume I had planned for him (I don't remember what it was) and at the last minute I ran around the house hunting up all his Batman gear.

Lucas turned 10 years old! He had a family party and then a friends party this year.

The friends party was super easy. We made pizza, they played video games  and football outside, and we ended the night with the 'Candy Bar game'!

We've gotten a little sledding in this year as well.

 Christmas came and went. The boys each got a new scooter and some other fun stuff.

Unfortunately because of the snow the scooters have hung in the garage unused. Hopefully when spring comes we'll have some warmer weather. Lucas favorite gift was a real white football helmet. I don't think Ty had a favorite gift. He just loves everything!

Just Call Me Molly

 Growing up I often fought learning any type of homemaking skill. Just ask my mom who did try at times to teach me. A few years ago I did get a sewing machine. I don't use it often but have attempted a few projects. I remember buying it and thinking of a companion on my mission. She once told me she could see me making dresses for my little girls. I think I laughed in her face. Even if I'd had girls I'm not so sure I would have made them dresses, but I did make a lovely BYU flag that hangs on our home on game day. This year I made a commitment to learn how to can. So I've done salsa, tomatoes, and some strawberry peach jam.

I don't exactly know why my attitude has changed. In thinking about it I don't think I was ever really opposed to doing these things. I just think other things have been more important to me at the time. At least this year I've learned to can and I hope I'll continue to learn new skills and make new goals. Thanks to my mom for the Christmas canner, Angie for helping me with salsa, and Madre for Grandma Foote's jam recipe. Bryan is especially happy about the jam and that makes me happy!

P is for Preschool

A week after Lucas started school Ty started preschool. He loves going three days a week. He has come a long way considering how much he used to hate leaving me. I'm grateful that he still misses me when he is gone or when I am away but that he is also able to go places without me and not have a melt down! He is a loving and bright child, and so much fun to be around.

Home Opener

 We all headed to Provo Thursday night for BYU vs. Washington State. It didn't start until 8:15 and so it was a late one.

Ty made it to the half and then Bryan and I took him home. Lucas stayed with Grandpa Garner for the rest of the game. It's always fun to win the first game of the season!

Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing

Lucas started fourth grade on Tuesday. I wish I could say he was happy to start school but he actually complained a lot on Monday. The most exciting thing for him was wearing the Bulls jersey he bought with the money he earned mowing the lawn.

Our traditional back-to-school cookie. If you can't tell it's a four. Next Thursday I'll be making a P for Ty as he starts pre-school. Ty cries everyday because he WANTS to start school.