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!