More Than Half Way There

A Total Waste of Makeup.  This was kind of like reading ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic,’ which I really didn’t enjoy.  This was a little bit better.  It was funny, but again, too much bad language, which took away from the book.  However, the characters are hilarious and I really enjoyed their over-the-top personalities.

Say You’re One of Them.  The above book and this one were recommended to me by my sister.  This book got amazing reviews, was Oprah’s 2009 Book Club Selection and I, for the life of me, cannot figure out why.  I really didn’t like this book.  It was slow, difficult to read (because of using the native dialect), and anti-climatic.  It seems everyone else out there would recommend it, but I definitely would not.

Pieces of the Heart.  May I just say again, I love Karen White’s books.  She creates the most amazing and real characters that you come to feel like are some of your closest friends.  This book taught me a lot about improving yourself and moving forward, which I appreciated as well.

In Search of Heaven.  This was the first of Anita Stansfield’s books that I’ve read.  I really enjoyed it!  The Barrington family and their journeys are so well written and interesting to follow.  I found myself really wanting to know what happened next.  I look forward to reading the next three books in this series.

18 more to go to reach my goal of 52 books read this year!!!!

Brief Trip to California

Over the weekend we went to California so that Nathan and Dylan could attend the Father/Sons overnighter for Nathan’s parents’ ward.  Dylan and his cousin, Jack, had a great time.  I don’t know that the older boys had quite as much fun.  While they were busy camping, the girls got together at Shannon’s and had delicious food and a chance to chat and catch up on everything!

From L to R: Jack, Uncle Andre', Uncle Aaron, Papa Eddie, Daddy and Dylan.

On Saturday, Nathan worked on a few BMWs, his “clientele” in California.  Avery and Dylan wanted a chance to help out!

Son of Bob the Builder

Nathan has been busy building.  Recently he finished a cabinet for the garage and tool boxes for the kids, all out of spare wood he got from work.  I love how handy my husband is!

When The Smith Family Visits, Part II

Here are some pictures my sister took when we went shooting and bowling.  I didn’t have my camera at either occasion, so I’m glad she did!

Unfortunately, we (Dusty and Nathan) only saw one rabbit the entire time we were out.  Lots of ant hills got shot up, but not much else.

I always love the inventive ways kids bowl!

Family Home Evening

Here are a few highlights from our FHE at my parents.  It is always interesting when the Smiths get together.

If Tyler were a well endowed woman….

Dylan and Brandon playing their Paper Jamzz and driving them around.

Bumpa with Sarah Belle and Avery.

May Preschool Program

This was Dylan’s final preschool program.  Preschool will end May 26, but then Dylan will be attending Miss Karen’s June Camp.  Miss Karen always does such cute things with the kids and teaches them fun songs.  Dylan has really learned a lot and grown a lot in her class.  Sorry, no video this time.  I tried, but it was seriously shaky.

The next picture is my favorite!  Dylan was yawning through the entire program.  I guess he didn’t get enough sleep.

 

Spring Things

Climbing trees!  Nathan needed to trim one of the trees back and so up he went and took Avery with him.  She loved it and thought she was such a big girl.

Sitting ducks!  These ducks wade in our neighbors’ pool.  They then fly from the neighbors’ backyard, over our house and onto the lawn of the dentist’s office across the street.  It drives Chloe absolutely crazy as she runs from the back sliding doors to the front storm door trying her best to figure out how she can play with the ducks.  It provides at least a few minutes a day of laughter for me just watching how crazy she is over it all.  I guess the duck below got tired and took a rest on the fence before heading over our house.

Tulips!  Seeing as our house is north facing, it takes longer than normal for my tulips to bloom, especially with the crazy weather as of late.  So, finally they came!

Projects!  Nathan is now able to do projects in his garage because the weather is a bit warmer.  Of course, he has to have his sidekick, Avery, helping.