January Books

I decided that instead of posting each time I finished a book, I would post every time I have finished four books.  My new goal now is to finish a book a week, so 52 in a year.  I have shared with you two already, so with this post I am at six.  I imagine many people have already read these books, but I’m new to this whole reading for pleasure idea, so be patient with me.  In the order I read them…

The Associate.  I enjoyed this so much more than The Confession.  This book was more what I remember John Grisham’s books being like when I read others years ago.

The Invisible Bridge.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  There is a wonderful love story and many interesting characters you meet and come to love or hate along the way.  It was easy reading, dragged a little at times, but overall an interesting story.  I would highly recommend this book.

Confessions of a Shopaholic.  I can’t say I was really impressed with this book.  It was funny at first, but then I just thought it became ridiculous and found myself hoping it would be over soon.  I’ve never seen the movie, but I hope it is better than the book.

The Kite Runner.  This is an amazing book.  I don’t think it is for everyone, but I really enjoyed it.  It is a heart-wrenching story, which stirred a wide array of emotions and covered many sensitive subjects.  I would highly recommend the book, but would caution some due to the subject matter.

Six Years Later

Today Nathan and I celebrate six years of marriage.  It has gone by quickly, has had the usual ups and downs, and has been the best six years of my life. 

In those six years…

Nine family vacations

Eight states visited

Two graduations (UTI and BMW STEP)

Two kids

Two moves

One truck sold

One new home

And an eternity to look forward to…

Happy Anniversary, Nathan!  I Love You!!!

I Have Found the Problem

The problem I have with reading is… I have to know what happens.  I have to know how the story ends and so I must keep reading.  I’m not one of those “stay up until all hours of the night to finish a book” kind of people (my sleep is far more important), but I do feel highly motivated to finish a book once I start it.  I can’t just pick a book up, read 15 or so pages and then set it down until the next day.  So, I’m all read out, for the moment, as I just finished another book. 

I enjoyed the book.  I can’t say it was one of my favorite of his, but it was easy reading and had a good story.  At one point I actually put it down and walked away because I was frustrated with the story.  But, alas, I had to know what happened, so I finished reading.  I still think ‘The Testament’ has been Grisham’s best.  Thanks for the suggestions on good books, keep them coming!

2011 New Year Resolution

I have a few “resolutions” this year, but one I would like to share.  For those who know me well, you know I hate (yes, that’s a very strong, yet accurate, word) to read.  However, I felt it was something I needed to do more of and thus challenged myself to read one book a month.  For my first book, my sister-in-law, Jennie, recommended ‘The Help’.

I started the book on January 1, and finished it earlier today.  It was really easy reading (after a small adjustment to the language) and very entertaining.  It made me laugh a lot and even cry.  It also made me think, which I enjoy, but without making my brain hurt.  I would definitely recommend this book.

So, I need some more recommendations, as one book a month might have been starting off small.  Let me know a book you would recommend.  I will be starting on another soon.  Thanks so much!

Our Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you did as well.  On Christmas eve we went over to my brother’s house for a wonderful dinner and opening of gifts.  The kids had a great time running around with their cousins.  We also read from Luke 2 and acted it out.  I always enjoy the time and opportunity taken to remember the birth of our Savior and reflect on His life and ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.  That night we stayed at my parents’ house and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas breakfast the next morning.  After breakfast we headed home for our family Christmas and there I learned that my children are spoiled, which is fine on an occasion such as Christmas.  After a few hours of relaxing at home, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa’s for more gifts and visiting.  Once back home, we were all very tired and grateful for a wonderful Christmas!

Dylan’s Birthday Celebrations

Dylan started celebrating his birthday on Tuesday at preschool.  As a treat for his classmates, we took in little boxes of cereal.  Dylan loved handing them out.  When he got home, Avery and I sang to him and had the birthday cake that Dylan’s preschool teacher made him.

On Wednesday, we headed to Target.  Dylan had a gift card from his aunt that he could use to pick out any toy he wanted.  Dylan chose a Star Wars the Clone Wars Hyena Bomber.  He also asked if he could get something for Avery, which made his mom proud.  He got her a My Little Pony.

Nathan came home for lunch yesterday and Dylan got to open his gifts.  Around 6:30pm one more gift got delivered, and Dylan wrapped up his birthday celebrations for another year.

Dylan Baker Edwards is 5

I cannot believe that five years ago my baby boy was born.  He was anxious to get a start in this world as he was three weeks early.  He was born at 5:22 a.m. on December 23 (Joseph Smith’s 200th birthday), weighing in at 5 lbs. 7 oz. and 18.5” long.  He looked like a little old man with wrinkly skin stretched over his bones, but he was (and is) the most handsome boy I’ve ever laid eyes on.  The name Dylan came from me switching channels one morning while I was pregnant and hearing the name while pausing at a rerun of “Beverly Hills 90210”.  Baker is Nathan’s, mom’s, maiden name.

Dylan is an amazing boy, very intelligent, with a kind and gentle heart.  His current interests include all things Star Wars (that’s been a constant for quite some time), puzzles, playing with his friends, Nerf guns, and playing the Wii with his dad.  Dylan enjoys being a big brother to Avery and loves to play with her.  He is doing great at preschool and has learned to write his name and improve (or start) writing letters and numbers.  I know great things are ahead for him and I am excited that I get to be a part of them.  Happy Birthday Dylan, I love you!