Tuesday Book Review: Drenched in Light

A couple of weeks ago I was in one of those moods. I didn't want to get out of bed, didn't want to do much of anything. I needed to wallow in my blah-ness. I looked around and realized my stash of books was eliminated. I had read through all the books. With the day being a Sunday, it put a damper on the idea of running to the library and grabbing some books. I told Brian about my plight and nearly picked up one of his bizarre sci-fi novels. Then he went out to the car to look for something and found three books in the trunk. I had seen these books before (someone gave them to Aunt Suzie who tried to give them to my mom but didn't want them) so I was confused as to how they found there way into my trunk. Still am confused actually. One of the books was "Drenched in Light" by Lisa Wingate. I had never heard of her, but was desperate for reading material and thought I would give it a try. I finished her book in about four hours.

The main character, whose name eludes me now, is a recent hire as a guidance counselor at a high school for those gifted in the arts. She was only recently hired because her original career path was that of prima ballerina but that came crashing down when her eating disorder nearly killed her. She begins to think that one of her ways to heal herself is to go back to where it all started, high school. Since she can't truly go back in time she takes this counselor position at her old high school. All of the staff give her crap for once being important and now being a failure, or so she feels. The story takes place as she is trying to overcome her own insecurities, continue on in her recovery, coming to gripes with her demons, and learning that even though her previously thought life path was taken from her, maybe she wasn't supposed to go that way. She soon finds herself in the midst of helping a young gifted yet academically and love challenge young girl Dell. Dell has had a truly rough life and with her help our main character begins to truly heal and understand a greater call in her life.

Really good book. I did cry some, but some words left an impression on my already very impressionable heart. I suggest picking this one up.

Molly Monday: Fish, Garden and Crafts

I read in a book this last week about making a fish aquarium out of jell-o and gummy fish. Well we had Swedish fish in the cupboard as well as green jell-o. So the other night Aidan and I made ourselves some individual fish aquariums. Aidan has since said that we can't eat them (they are swimming fish mommy!). But I have hopes of gobbling up that yummy tasting jell-0.

Aidan helping me pour the jell-o into the
little cups and then dropping fishes in.

The view of the fish in the container.

This last week has been a turning point for the greater part of my garden. I am way excited to report...

Jalepenos are growing in force. I had one big one,
I picked it and ate it, and about
six little ones coming!

A picture of my first and very small
green pepper. There are lots of other blossoms
so I am excited!

And my cucumbers! I thought they were being
taken over by weeds. Apparently,
THEY were the weeds! They
are growing like mad! I have about 10 that are
good ball size. Soon I will be
pickling cucumbers. Yummy!

And this week I also had some time to work on many crafts. I had so much fun. I still need to work on some of my skills, but that will always be my issue.

I know it is still technically summer,
but FALL is my favorite.
So I have already decorated my
living room for FALL.
I love the oranges, browns, and deep reds.
This is my tablerunner display in my living room.


I can't get a better picture of those high heels to upload.
Sorry.
But if you click on the picture, it will enlarge.
If you want to get the pattern to make these yourself.
Click here.
They are easy and fun to make! Endless possibilities.

I had this great idea.
But it flopped.
This is the flop.
I wanted to do a fabric flower arrangement with
googly eyes peaking through.
It is just lame!

Using scrap fabric and
decapitated flowers from my
wedding, I was able to
make this wreath for $1.
Basic wreath is from Dollar Tree.

Close up of the table runner. I tried to
do some machine quilting.
It didn't work out.
This is my bad interpretation.
I am a work in progress.

And for my Aidan I made him a "action figure house."
This is his Stark Mansion.
Iron Man needed a get-a-way.
But he tends to have LOTS of super hero sleepovers.

And that concludes that busy week.
Now what to do next week...

Friday Movie Review: The Expendables

This movie is rated R for a reason...ridiculous amounts of action. No, seriously, ridiculous. The last half hour blows past in a barage of explosions, stunts, and fight scenes.

I wanted to go see this movie merely because of the cast. I didn't expect much going into it, and got what I expected. This movie was written by Rambo, directed by Rocky and produced by The Transporter and Oscar. Starring Tango, The Transporter, John McClaine, The Terminator, The One, He-Man, WhipLash, a WWE wrestler, a UFC champion and Julia Roberts older brother. And so with as the main billing cast, you can imagine that it was short, very short on good writing ability (no hope of an Oscar here, maybe a Razzie :)) But if you like blow 'em up action movies with little regard to whether or not you learned a valuable lesson from a movie, this one is for you. If you have ever been curious what happened to all of your favorite action heroes from the 1980s and 90s, this movie is for you. I still question why Van Damme wasn't in it, but oh well. And a plus is that you can actually understand He-Man (Dolph Lundgren) now! Yippie!

Thursdays Nostaligia

This photo was taken about a two years at Suzie's house. This was the weekend that she moved from her apartment to her new house. Look at that handsome face! I can't believe its been two years have you?

Wednesdays blessings

Cookbooks. I love looking through old cookbooks and trying the recipes inside. I love learning about different methods of cooking and different variations for one recipe.

Education. I love being able to look above my computer desk and finally see the fruit of my years of labor at the university. I love being able to remember my time and experiences.

Aidan's mind learning. I love that Aidan is all about playing games with us now. It makes for a very entertaining family night.

Power of prayer. One thing that I am slowly learning is that the Lord wants to answer our prayers, positively and the way we want. But first we must learn to accept and try asking him again, in another way for what we want. Once we learn that, we will always get what we want.

Dancing. I love that my boys love to dance. On occasion Brian and I will spontaneously start swaying in each others arms. Aidan has quickly learned to love to dance. And I enjoy it when he asks me to dance.

The kissing game. When Brian and I kiss each other Aidan only allows it for a certain amount of time. Then he wants in on the game. And it goes like this. Mommy kisses Daddy, Aidan kisses Mommy, then Daddy kisses Aidan. We do this over and over and over again. Aidan loves it and so do I.

Sentences. Aidan is doing so well, putting new words together and learning how to manipulate different words and meanings. I, however, need to be more careful. Last night Aidan got mad at me for not getting him his 4th glass of milk right away. Finally he looked at me and said, "spanking or time out. decide." apparently I have been saying that too much lately. Better change that soon. :)

Tuesday Book Review: Fablehaven 3

Following along in my Fablehaven reviews this one is just as good as the others. And I for one am of the opinion that once you start a series you need to finish it. That said I haven't made it through the fourth book, but I will, I promise.

Book 3 continues on as Kendra and her brother fight against the Evening Star and its spies, trying hard to protect Fablehaven and precious artifacts. Kendra is sent on a special mission because her talents are incredibly useful, while Seth is stuck back as Fablehaven sulking in his lack of adventure. As the story continues, Seth soon realizes that even if danger is not visible, danger can be anywhere. Who don't need to go on an adventure to have an adventure.

Good book. Continue on...I will.

Molly Monday: Playing school and more

Aidan's notebook for his "mommy school."
We are going to try and work on some
different learning and exploring methods.
Hopefully it all turns out.

My very first experiment with a puff quilt.
This isn't very big, did I mention experiment.
I think it will be for an animal bed or something. LOL!
What do you think?

I went through and made bubble alphabet letters for
Aidan to color and learn about.
Fingers crossed he is interested in it.
:)

Reset and begin again

So after a week of going to hell and back I am feeling a bit better. I think starting tomorrow I will be posting daily again. I thought about doing some back blogging, but decided that, after three days of trying to muster positive feelings and energies, it would be better not to look back. For those of you new to my personal hell I will give you the briefest of overviews. I miscarried. I was in a lot of pain for about two days and drugged up for about three. During all that time I was in the midst of some pretty strong emotions. Constant crying, a feeling forlorn, depressed, unworthy, confused, distraught, disgusted, angry, aloof etc. etc. etc. I wasn't doing very good.

For some, these type of emotions would have been expected and understandable. For me, no. I hate emotions. Emotions of all kinds annoy me. I am bizarre, I know. My favorite feeling is normal. Normal is not angry, not upset, not overly happy, not sad, not blissful, not anything but normal... maybe content. If I have an extreme emotion I know that something will change it and make it bad. For example, being super happy that after lots of time trying to get pregnant, I was pregnant. That was taken from me. I went from one extreme to the next, opposite ends of the spectrum. If I am in the middle, I am content staying in the middle. I hope this all makes sense.

I'm rambling again.

I had another first this week, an Emergency Room visit. I can honestly say that both of my firsts this week would have been allowed to never happen but alas they did.

A couple of things have helped me to regroup, grow up, learn and understand (still working on this one).

Priesthood blessings. My friend Debbie post on the priesthood couldn't have come at a better time. I read it the day my world came crashing down and it helped me to try and think bigger than myself. Thank you.

Brian. Aside from being an amazing husband and priesthood holder (he gave me a blessing), he stepped up and tried to make my pity party okay. He kept Aidan away (unless requested) and happy. It was wonderful to have a strong shoulder to cry on and with. He hurt too. But even in his hurt, he stayed strong and held me up, he didn't let me wallow too long. Thank you.

Aidan. For sensing something was wrong and being pretty chill about the babysitters, late nights and cuddles. Thank you for not freaking out because I kept needing to touch you and be near you. You are the best at cuddling (when you want too), thank you for wanting to cuddle and give mommy lots of needed loves.

Greater Larson clan. Our go to emergency and non-emergency babysitters. Without them, this last week would have been a little harder to deal with. Aidan spent the most part of five days hanging out at their house. Thank you.

Grandpa Bob and Virgie. Coming over at 1130PM because I was in pain and needed a blessing. Sorry to wake you from your sleep, but thank you for coming.

Suzie. For your support and the flowers. Thank you for being there if we needed you, that meant a lot. Thank you.

Mom and Dad. For being a ear to hear my complaints and a long distance shoulder to cry on.
Thank you.

Holly. What a wonderful woman you are. I love you. Thank you for concern and the daily texts.

And last but not least Dr. W. Hughes. You are an amazing man. You speak my language. You tell me like it is and have faith (with knowledge and experience) that has helped me a lot with hope. Thank you for being there, answering my questions and returning my phone calls.

Now that I have address the missing week. Let's all look forward to more posts, more positivity and more fun.

Friday Movie Review: Damned United

This movie I found while streaming Netflix on our XBOX 360. We saved it to our queue (a spot where the movie waits for us to watch it before being rotated out for more product). The other night Aidan was well on his way to a good bed time (930 PM). Brian and I decided to watch an adult movie. No, it isn't naughty, but it isn't a cartoon either.

The Damned United is about English football from 1968-1974. Michael Sheen stars as Brian Clough a football coach from the bottom of Division 2, Derby County. During the 1968 season Derby County wins the "lottery" to play against the most amazing team ever, Division 1 reigning champions Leeds. Leeds is coached by a national hero, Coach Revie. Everyone loves him and wants to be just like him. Clough is so excited for this exihibition game, that he knows he has no chance of winning but just wants to meet Coach Revie, that he paints, scrubs and rolls out the red carpet for him and his team. Enter Coach Revie. National hero, and amazingly arrogant and rude. He doesn't want to play this game and in return snubs Clough. At the time his isn't aware of how badly, but he does just the same.

The movie goes back and forth between these 6 years to show how this meeting affects Clough and his life, relationships, and career.

This movie is R-rated for four F-bombs and a couple of English slang swear words. If you can get past that and are interested in this movie, see it. Good cast, good acting and good moral ending. I love good English comedies and drama, this is equal to some of my all time classics. Plus it is based on a true story so if you like soccer, I mean English football you wont be disappointed with all the amazing history. I learned a lot about how the soccer, I mean football clubs work in England. Has anyone else noticed how wonderful Michael Sheen is as an actor? We better watch out for him. :)

Thursdays Nostaligia

Here is a bunch of pictures I have of my Grandma Virgie taken when she was younger. This isn't really my nostaligia this week but one I love. I love this lady with all my heart. She constantly gets on my nerves but she is the best grandma in the whole world. Sometimes I feel like she gets over looked. My Grandpa is an amazing man, but so is she...an amazing woman. She successfully raised four awesome kids. I love all my aunts and uncles.

We have a good relationship. I wish I could be a better granddaughter to her. But sometimes I just can't make myself play Boggle. Yuck! She has so many wonderful talents. She is amazing with kids. She always makes people smile. She is so friendly, even to scary strangers. And I think she is beautiful. For the longest time I have admired her. And I think that is why, if we have a girl, she will be named Abigail Virgie. I want nothing more than to be able to give my grandma the gift of a namesake. Her name is so unique and beautiful. However, that being said Brian and I have decided to make it a middle name and not a first name. Grandma has often told me of the plight of mis-pronuncation, misspelled, and ignorance that goes along with her name (I kind of understand, for 29 years I was an Armga). But still we want our daughter to be blessed with her name and all the special blessings that come with it, even if it is in private.

So even though she doesn't read this blog, I love you Grandma Virgie.

Wednesdays blessings

Modern technology. I know nearly every week this comes up, but every week I find myself grateful for a different piece of technology. This week is the ultrasound machine. I can't believe that not too many decades ago pregnant women didn't have the blessing of seeing their baby while in the fetus. I am one of those people who have to see to believe it, with most things. I love that I am able to see what the ultrasound tech can see. I am grateful that through the ultrasound machine they can show me the heart beat, have me listen to the heartbeat, measure the size of the baby and then tell me (because we were unsure) just how far along I am...to the day. On Monday we found out that we now have a heartbeat and the baby is measuring at six weeks two days old. That's pretty precise. New due date is April 2, 2011.

Attentive husbands. Sometimes I feel like I get ignored. I ask for help and assistance with things and Brian ignores them. But other things his does are amazing. Fixing things that I didn't know needed attention. What a wonderful man he is.

A sweet baby Aidan. Notice how I put on there a sweet baby Aidan? Aidan is still in his terrible two phase, but every so often I can see the light. He is fully aware that there is a baby in my tummy. The other day I am sitting on the couch watching television and he comes over and wraps his little arms around my mid-section and says "baby, I wuv you." Over and over again. And he didn't move. He feel asleep in that position. I wish I could have taken a picture. It would have been priceless. I REALLY hope this love, anticipation, and excitement remain AFTER the baby is born.

Working. I don't have a real job. It is more like something to get me out of the house. I still consider myself a stay at home mom. But it is pleasant to know that I do have something that I can do when needed for extra cash. Especially a job where I can take Aidan with me.

The Flag Game. I am a freak when it comes to the flag. People don't respect it, at all! Irritates me to know end. So this year I taught Aidan what we do when we see a flag. We even checked out a book from the library. If we see a flag our right hand covers our heart, we take hats off and above all we are QUIET. He did fantastic at parades and ball games. But my favorite thing is, now, whenever he see a flag he excitedly says "Mom, Flag, shhh." Imagine me surprise when he started pointing out flags for me to notice and respect. On our way home from St. George we ended up playing a flag game. I have never noticed home many flags locale businesses fly along I-15 between Provo and Ogden. AMAZING! And Aidan noticed everyone, he especially loves the big tall ones.

Nausea and morning sickness. Crazy I am still grateful to have it. With Aidan, I was sick for 38 weeks. I have a feeling this one will be similar. But all in all, being sick means that I am with child, and that reminder is priceless.

A messy house. I am going out on a limb and saying this but a messy house means that we have had fun and had guests. I keep trying to convince myself that this is a good thing and not something to be ornery about. So if you come to my house and it is less than prestine, understand we have been having fun, and that's why it is not clean.

The second in the series, Rise of the Evening Star, picks up with Kendra and Seth anxiously awaiting the end of the school year so that they can return to the preserve. Upon arriving they meet three new characters. One can make you sleep walk and control your actions, one is a potion master and the other is able to speak with fairies. Kendra and Seth quickly learn that those who wish to cause harm to the magical preserves have heard of them and are plotting to gain control over them.

In this book Seth steps up and shows that even though he is still incredibly young and immature, his adventurous nature will benefit all those at Fablehaven.

If you read the first one and enjoyed it, then you should read this one. Both are quiet entertaining and worth a read. But I warn you, read them in order, it helps.

Molly Monday: Kitchen Hints I just learned

How many of you know what brown sugar actually is? Is it a product from a brown sugar cane plant. No. Did you know that you can make your own brown sugar at home and it is apparently better tasting? I didn't! Next time we go to the grocery store I am going to pick the ingredients to try this. Are you ready for the list? You will need granulated sugar and molasses. That's it. For every 1 cup of white sugar you need 1 TBSP of molasses. Mix together thoroughly with a fork and use like normal. Can you imagine? I can't tell you how many batches of cookies had to be delayed because my brown sugar supply was depleted or hard as a rock. Now in a bind, molasses in food storage, I can always make special treats.

Did you also know that if your brown sugar is hard as a rock you can microwave it for a little bit and it will soften? Also put a piece of white bread in your bag of brown sugar and it will keep it soft and packable.

I think everyone knew this but me...if you put a bay leaf in with your dry storage it will keep weevils out. Pretty cool if you ask me. However, I can truthfully say that we don't keep many dry goods in the house very long. I use them very quickly. I just used up a 25 pound bag of flour in two and half months. I make a lot of homemade pizza for my boys. Thankfully I have been able to find a bunch of different recipes so it isn't always cheese and pepperoni. :)

Aidanisms

Aidan loves super hero guys. He especially is particle to the Marvel comic world. I am sad to say that I am learning the difference between Marvel and DC. Marvel has Spider-man, Captain America, Fantastic 4, Thor, Iron Man, Avengers, X-men, Hulk, etc etc etc. Aidan loves these guys. Well as he plays with his figurines I have noticed that his imagination runs wild. He has a mini basketball hoop that he loves to dangle Spiderman from, he loves to pick up my old yarn that is laying on the floor and call it Doc Oct, he likes to fly his airplanes around with Iron Man. I love it! I don't love the banging, the yelling and the fighting. His figurines sometime battle each other. In this process we find that Aidan hurts himself because he has to hold on to the figurines. He hasn't figured out that if this guys played together nicely and softly then HE wouldn't get hurt. Hopefully he can learn that part soon.

Friday Movie Review: Dumbo

Did you know that you can check out DVDs from the library? We did and do so all the time. We recently borrowed Dumbo. Aidan enjoyed it. I don't know that it will be on his most favorite list but he did watch the entire thing and enjoyed it. I enjoy Dumbo. I think he is an underrated Disney character/cartoon. But that being said I do have some issues with the "Elephants of Parade" segment. They are a little too close to Winnie the Pooh's Heffalumps and Woozles.

Thursdays Nostaligia

A picture of me and Jacob as he is about to deploy for the second time. I didn't realize it at the time but we nearly match. I just got married and was probably just barely pregnant. And look at that handsome young solider?

Wednesdays blessings

Swimming pools. My parents live in an apartment complex that has a swimming pool. Aidan has begun to associate my parents and my brother Jake with swimming and the pool. It is so cute!

Family and time to visit. Even though we probably shouldn't have gone back to St. George, I love to go and visit with my family. I love seeing Jacob come around. It has been a long time since I felt like was open to a relationship with me. Maybe its because my relationships are strained with the others or maybe it was just time to reconnect with Jacob, but I love the time that we spend together. The only thing better would be spending time with all my siblings together in a harmonious situation. Here's to hoping! I am also grateful that even though Jacob and his baby mama are having issues and are in the middle of a custody battle, she allowed me to see Ezra for all day Wednesday, which was in the middle of her week of visitation.

An amazing husband. On our way down to St. George about Santaquin we blew a tire. We were those people who had to unload our trunk and find the spare (the tiny donut) and find a tire changing place (we needed a Discount Tire because we have warranty and stuff with them) in Provo. I am fully capable of changing a tire. I have changed many tires in my day. But nothing makes me happier than a husband who just does it. I helped a little bit. But Brian was able to quickly change the tire without incident on the freeway. Thank you honey!

Generous grandparents. When my Grandparents heard of our situation they offered to give us some money for the new tire. We will be fine. But thanks. It always makes an unpleasant situation better knowing that maybe it isn't so dire.

Good Chinese food. I have grown up in the area I currently live. My go to location for Chinese is and always has been Mandarin Palace. The place is yummy, but sometimes my body disagrees. Being just pregnant the nausea and sickness is in full force. When we were in St. George my body was craving Chinese. My parents took us to their go to place for Chinese. What a delicious meal. My body enjoyed it. I didn't get sick and I am still craving it. The broccoli beef with divine and the sweet and sour chicken was light and sweet without being overwhelming. So good!

Baked Lays potato chips. Sometimes my nausea isn't made better by salt crackers. But so far baked potato chips settle my tummy. There is just only one downside to this and that is that they are on the expensive side. Luckily, Brian agrees with me, anything to keep me from being sick and to make the baby happy.

A comfortable bed. After many years of staying with my parents and sleeping on the floor, they finally got themselves a new bed and moved there old bed into the guest bedroom. I think that bedroom should be called the Katie and family room but I was vetoed. I honestly have no idea how my parents were able to sleep on that bed for so many years. Don't misunderstand it is much better than the floor or an air mattress but it still isn't very comfortable. So that being said...I love my bed. It is so nice to come home to it and relax in it.

Tuesday Book Review: Fablehaven

I should have read this books long ago but didn't. Brandon Mull has a sister named Summer, who was and is a mission buddy of mine. This weird connection should have prompted me to read it much sooner, especially because once some people find out that the degrees of separation between Brandon and myself are very small, can't believe I hadn't read it. But thanks to my friends, the McFadden's I was able to borrow them and read them.

Fantasy isn't my favorite to read. I have a hard time grasping the worlds of make believe. However, I was very impressed by the world that Brandon Mull created. It isn't too hard for me to understand or fathom.

The book follows Kendra and her brother Seth. Both unexpectedly have to go and stay with their grandparents while their parents go on a vacation. Grandma and Grandpa aren't too happy about babysitting. But we later find out that this is because they are the caretakers of a property known as Fablehaven. Fablehaven is an exotic, magical and rare creature preserve. And it is super secretive. Aside from being secretive, the time that Kendra and Seth decide to stay with them is during the crazy most magical time of the year. Kendra and Seth learn a lot about themselves and their Grandparents. Sometimes just because you think you know someone, you don't. Kendra is your typical boring, studious, obedient child whereas, Seth is adventurous, implusive and careless. What a great combination!

I loved this book, I really did. I read it in a day.

Molly Monday: A Craft Week Wrap-up

No pictures this week. I had been working on finishing up a bunch of started projects. Now those are done. Yippie! Hopefully next week I have some other stuff to show you.

This week at a glance

This last week we had Chelsea staying with us. Here is a brief overview of the week.

She arrived late on Saturday.
Sunday was church and visited with Grandma and Grandpa.
Monday I had doctor appointments, so she and Aidan played with Grandma and Grandpa.
Tuesday we went out to Antelope Island with Grandma and Grandpa and then had lunch.
Wednesday we went down to Temple Square to see "The Joseph Smith Story" and walk around Temple Square.
Thursday we stayed at home and did yard work.
Friday we finished yard work and then went and spent time at the Clark Planetarium. We saw Rock on Demand.
Saturday I did not feel well so we hung out watching movies.
Sunday I did not feel well so we hung out watching movies and visited with Grandma and Grandpa.
Monday we cleaned house and got ready to leave on Tuesday.

Aidanisms

"Chelsea, Chelsea where you?"
"Chelsea, Chelsea where you are?"
"Hi, Chelsea."

My cousin's daughter has been with us this week. Aidan loves being able to play with her and tease her. I bet he gets very sad when she leaves to go home. One of the first things he does in the morning is request Chelsea. :)