Friday, December 23, 2011

Eleven

My Dearest Monkey-face,

Happy Christmas Eve! Today is your 11 month birthday. I know I say this every month, but I truly can't believe how much you are growing and changing.

You never cease to amaze me with how smart and funny you are. You can always get a giggle out of Mama, without even trying most of the time. You have been extra silly this month, and are quick to giggle at pretty much anything.

You love to be on the move. If you're not crawling, you're pulling up on the furniture and shakin' your booty. You love to dance. You also love Elmo. You get so excited anytime you see Elmo and can even say his name (Eh-mo). This month you've learned the sign for food and you've made up your own sign for soft. We're not sure where you learned it, but if we say the word soft you pat your hand on your chest. You've also learned how to blow kisses. It's very cute. You also have a mild obsession with Santa. You think it's pretty fun to say "Ho ho ho."

You now have 5 teeth, and I think we're going to see more any day now. You are growing like a weed and wearing mostly 18 month clothes. I can't keep clothes that fit you in circulation long enough for you to wear anything more than a few times.

This month Mommy and Daddy decided it was time for you to learn how to sleep through the night. You picked it up so quickly! Within a week you were going right to bed and down for naps and sleeping through the night for 11 or 12 hours. It's been great for all of us to get more sleep.

You also got to try some new foods this month that you like a whole lot. You love grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, goldfish, yogurt, and cheerios.

Well, my sweet monkey, only one more month until you turn 1. I can't believe we've been on this crazy journey for almost a year. I love you so much and can't wait for all of the new adventures we get to have together.

Hugs and kisses!
Mama
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Saturday, December 10, 2011

Wrap it up

I have been a terrible blogger lately. I'm going to blame it on being out-of-control busy. Between working full time, going back to school, and being a mommy and a wife I haven't had a whole lot of spare time to speak of. So, in a last-ditch attempt to put off studying for my final next week, here are some things that have been on my mind:
Christmas is nearly upon us. Our house is all decorated, I'm in the middle of sending out cards, and I'm nearly done shopping. The sharkbaby LOVES the tree. He thinks it's about the coolest thing in the whole world. He also loves to say, "Ho ho ho" and "Merry Christmas." He loves listening to me practice the piano for upcoming Christmas concerts. I know he's too little to "get" Christmas this year, but I'm still excited.
Speaking of Sharkleton, he is growing up so fast! I can't believe I've been on this crazy, wild, awesome ride for almost a year. I don't want to discuss it too much because I want to have something to write about in his 11 month letter, but just know that he is turning into quite the little character.
I've been crafting up a storm. In the past week I've sewn probably 6 microwave rice bags (you know, the ones that you heat up). They're super fast and easy. I think I'll keep a bunch on hand to give away as gifts. I've also become hooked on Pinterest and I keep finding ideas for things I want to try. In fact, just today, I found some cute little owl bean bags. I think I'm going to make some for the boy's first birthday. Now if I could just drag myself away long enough to actually try my brilliant ideas.
I'm currently in the process of composing my 2012 goals. There are a lot of things I want to do, see, try, and learn in the coming year. My main goal is going to be getting organized, and I'm going to start by organizing my goals. I think I'll set up one big thing a month that I can check off my list.
There are a few things going on at work right now that I'm not terribly thrilled about. Okay, I'm actually downright angry. In fact, I'm still to angry to blog about it. Stay tuned for more on that.
As this Christmas season is upon us I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on my personal relationship with Him whose birth we celebrate at this time of year. I feel that I have come to know my Savior in a way I never have before through the trials that I've faced. I have learned more in the past year about how my Heavenly Father truly cares for me than I have in the whole of my life combined. I am truly blessed with wonderful parents, siblings, extended family, and in-laws. I consider myself the luckiest girl in the world to be married to my best friend, and with him share the joy of parenthood. As this year comes to a close and we all begin the next chapter in our lives I pray that we may keep Christ, not only at the center of this Christmas season, but at the center of our lives year round.
May you all experience the beauty that this life has to offer.
XOXO

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The one about Thanksgiving

Yep, the time has come... my thankful Thanksgiving post. And since we all know just how much I love a list, I'm going to attempt to condense my thoughts into one. This year I am especially grateful for:

Indoor plumbing

My calling with the young women

My sweet husband, who has stuck with me through all of my crazy this year

A wonderful and supportive family

Soft, fuzzy socks

A career in a field I love
The ability to help provide for my family



That I can read
My good health



Supportive friends and neighbors
My talents, and the opportunity I have to use them



My ability to impact changes around me
All-natural beauty recipes



Fantastic coworkers that I look forward to seeing at work, and away from work
A walking buddy



Financial stability
A house that I don't have to remodel



And most especially: A sweet Sharkbaby who loves to give me kisses, read stories with me, and help me play the piano
What can I say? I am truly blessed.








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And then there were 10

My most wonderful munchkin,

Today is your first Thanksgiving, and I can't begin to express how grateful I am for you and the joy you bring me everyday. On this day you hit your 10 month mark. I can't believe how much you've grown and changed in the past few weeks.

You have hit a ton of milestones recently. You are crawling all over the place. You can pull up on furniture, but haven't figured out how to walk along it yet. You can go up stairs, but not down. You wave bye-bye anytime someone opens or closes a door. You know the signs for "more", "finished", and we're working on "thank you." You now say dog (a-da), Ruby (woo-wee), uh-oh (uh uh), dad (dada), mom (ma), num (dum), and all done (a-dun). You love to sing songs with mommy in the car. You especially love the song Skid-a-ma-rink.

This week you slept your longest stretch yet, a whole 13 hours. It was a great night for both of us. You still love stories. Your favorite right now is "Moo, Baa, La, La, La". You love it when we make the pig snort for you. You also love noses. You think it's the funniest thing in the world when you grab Daddy's nose and he makes a noise like a siren.

You seem to have a thing for feet, and socks especially. We can't keep socks on you to save our lives. Anytime we leave you unattended you take them off your feet to play with them. You love to chew on Mama's toes, too. You also love your knit blankies. You get angry if we leave the house without one. You want to have it in the car, in the stroller, near you when you play on the floor, and just in general reach.

Speaking of chewing, you have 3 and a half teeth. Two on the bottom, one on the top, and a second on the top getting ready to poke through any day now.

I am so excited to see what the next month will bring for us, Monkey. I love you to the moon and back.

Love,

Mommy
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Friday, November 4, 2011

The Plunge

Well, after much research, a lot of thought, and some good old-fashioned bravery, I finally jumped head first (hee hee!) into a new way of "washing" my hair.

Yep, I've gone completely shampoo-free. I'd been kicking around the idea of going no 'poo for quite a long time. I'd read that it was really great for curly hair. Basically, real shampoo is made to strip oils from your hair. That's it's job, it's what the chemical combination is meant to do. Well, that's a problem for me. I have incredibly dry hair, naturally. It's a curse of curly hair. Anyway, I noticed that after using traditional shampoo I was having to condition the hell out of my hair to make it feel even a little bit normal. Add to that all of the product I was having to use and you have yourself a hot mess.

So back to my story: I was already only washing my hair once a week and using baking soda once a week. So I figured the time had come. I was taking the plunge into no 'poo.

Let me share with you a few observations and then I'll give you my recipes:
1. My hair has changed color. It's true, I haven't dyed my hair in several months, however in the last three weeks it's become a richer brown with quite a bit of red in it.
2. I did experience a weird phase about 2 weeks in where my roots were extra-oily and my ends were extra-dry. This only lasted about a week. Apparently, it's a normalizing phase where the scalp produces more oil for some reason. It goes away, I promise.
3. It styles much more easily. I don't know if it's healthier, or stronger, or what, but it's breaking less and takes to the flat iron much better.
4. It has lost some of it's body. I've never had to tease my hair before to give it volume, however when my hair is straight now it's s-t-r-a-i-g-h-t. I'll have to work on this for awhile.

And now, the recipes.

First, I use a 1:3 ratio of baking soda to water. I put this on my dry hair just at the roots. I massage it into my scalp and comb it through to the ends. I let it sit for about 2-3 minutes and then rinse it out.

Next, I use a 1:4 ratio of apple cider vinegar to water. I saturate the ends of my hair and leave the roots alone. I'll let this sit about a minute or so and then rinse it well. I promise, your hair won't smell like vinegar. Just watch your eyes. It stings like you wouldn't believe.

Anyway, if any of you out there give it a go let me know how it works for you. Personally, I love it.
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Monday, October 24, 2011

Feelin' fine at 9



My Sweetest Monkey-faced Munchkin,
You are 9 months old today. I honestly think this has been the fastest 9 months of my life. You change and grow so much everyday. You are such a sweet boy and I love getting to spend so much time with you.
You love to be outside. Anytime I open the front door you get so excited. You love to sit on the grass and watch everything going on around you. You also love dogs. In fact, "dog" is your new favorite word to say. The other night I was getting you ready for bed and you heard the dogs next door barking. You looked at me, smiled, and in your sweet little voice said, "Dah." (That's Tommy-speak for dog).
You love to eat, especially from Mom and Dads' plates. You still prefer fruits to vegetables, but you're a pretty big fan of broccoli and asparagus. Just last night you discovered how much you like turkey.
You still love to read stories, too. Your favorite right now is "Dear Zoo". You like to open up the flaps to see the animals. You also like "The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear".
Just this week you showed off that you actually do know how to crawl. You only do it when you think no one is watching and when there's something you really want to reach. You don't like to be held too much, but you love to play on the floor where you can see people around you.
I love you more and more each day, my sweet little man. You are such a sweet and smart boy and I love watching you grow, explore, and learn each day.
XOXO,
Mama
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Sunday, October 9, 2011

Please

Dear Moms of the World,

I have a plea for all of you. Can we please stop with the "mommy wars"? Can we please stop judging each other for our differences? It's our differences in parenting that make all of our children so unique and wonderful.
Sincerely,
A Fed Up Mama

I've been pondering on this post for a long time. I've been trying to figure out how to write this without offending somebody, or everybody. And then I realized that doesn't matter. Someone will always be offended, somebody will always judge, and somebody will always be upset by my opinion. But the good news is that this is my blog. And I can say what I want. And if you don't like it, stop reading. Anyway, back to my post.

My first item of business is the whole breastfeeding thing. I know I've talked about this many times, but it's still nagging a bit. I've done a lot of reading about breastfeeding issues, what research says is best for babies, etc. One theme that is constant through all of this is that everyone thinks their way is the right way. I'm here to tell you that the "right" way is whatever works for you and produces a healthy, happy baby. I recently read a blog post from a woman who discussed her struggles with breastfeeding. Instead of uplifting comments, a lot of what I saw were things like, "Thanks so much for perpetuating the myth that breastfeeding is hard." A) If it actually is hard for someone, that means it's not a myth. B) Whatever happened to the lesson we learned as children, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Secondly is the whole working mom thing. I know I've talked about this before, too, but it really strikes a nerve with me. I have nothing against stay at home moms. In fact, I admire them for their ability to do this incredibly challenging thing. However, Curious George and I have made the choice for me to work to keep us out of debt. And really, I'm a better mom because I go to work. I don't have the patience or the serenity to stay at home with the Sharkbaby all the time. I would be grumpy, short-tempered, and it would probably make my boys not want to be around me at all.

The third thing I'd like to discuss is the flat out judgement. Why do we insist on comparing our children to each other? Why would we try and bring another mom down just because our baby hit a milestone before her's? Raising children is hard enough without worrying about how they compare to everyone else's child. Does it really affect our lives if a family chooses to co-sleep, cry-it-out, swaddle, breastfeed, bottle feed, discipline, let their children watch tv, or whatever? Not really.

So, I vote that we put a cease and desist order on the Mommy Wars. Let us come together in this crazy, difficult, trying, wonderful, heartbreaking, heartwarming experience called Motherhood. Let's not worry so much about comparing and contrasting our children as we do about raising a generation of kind, tolerant, and non-judgmental children.

As the primary song says, "Jesus said love everyone." Our job as mothers is the nurturing and righteous education of our children. How can we expect our children to learn tolerance and meaningful relationships unless we first put it these things into practice in our own lives?
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Friday, October 7, 2011

Fall Favorites

Guess what... I just blogged for 30 days straight! In celebration I'd like to share with you a few of my favorite things right now.

First and foremost, this little guy:
How can you not love that face? Oh man, this kid lights up my world. He is definitely my favorite right now.

Next is this album:


I am incredibly, disproportionately, excited for the new muppet movie (I can't help it, I love Jason Segel). Anyway, I figured I'd check out the album and I am o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d. I listen to it every time I'm in the car.

Next up are a couple of websites:

Trust me, if you haven't discovered these yet, go!! (If you need a pinterest invite, let me know, I've got some!) And polyvore lets me build outfits from clothing/shoes/jewelry I find all over the web. Awesome.

So, I still haven't found time to decorate for Halloween. It actually makes me kind of sad, because I really love Halloween a lot. But between work, school, and being a wife and mommy it's a little low on the priority list. I don't know how some women do it all...

I am looking forward to Witches Night at Gardner Village next weekend. My costume is going to be pretty legen-waitforit-dary. The Sharkbaby isn't actually going to be a shark... he's going to be a bat. Pictures will be coming soon!










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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Day 30: Favorite book of all time

Oh, wow, this is a big idea. I have to choose one favorite book? I don't know if I can actually do that. I've read hundreds, possibly thousands, of books in my lifetime. I love to read. I always have. I need books like I need food, water, and air. I've spent many nights in my life choosing to devour a good book instead of catching some much needed sleep. When the Sharkbaby was born everyone told me to sleep while he slept. I was never able to do this. Instead I sat in the rocking chair next to my sleeping baby and filled myself with a story outside of my own.
Some of my earliest memories are of reading with, and being read to by, my dad. We had an old blue rocking chair where he would read me the newspaper, Dr. Seuss' ABC's, Ira Sleeps Over, and many others. I would often choose to read a book instead of playing outside with my siblings. I would pretend I was the characters in my books. Part of me wanted to be Laura Ingles Wilder, Anne of Green Gables, or Nancy Drew.
And now? Now I love to read to my baby. My favorite time of day is when we sit in the rocking chair at bedtime and read stories. He loves The Goodnight Book; The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear; Dear Zoo; and Guess How Much I Love You.
So, you see, my love affair with books has gone on for so long that I couldn't possible choose one favorite. But if you ever need a recommendation for a book I love, you know where to find me.
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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Day 29: A book everyone hated but you liked

Ok, so technically a national bestseller can't really be a book that everyone hates. However, that being said, I've talked to a lot of people that really disliked this book.

Maybe it's the stream-of-consciousness, "Catcher in the Rye"-esque way it's told. Maybe it's the fact that it's written from the point of view of a boy with autism/Asperger's (the debate is still out on which it actually is). Really, I can't help but like this book. I like that the chapters are numbered in prime number numerical order. I like that there are pictures, charts, and diagrams. And I really enjoy the analytical look at the things the rest of us don't really think about at all.

Anyway, when all is said and done, I really liked this book, despite the poor reviews I've read.
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Day 28: Favorite title


I've been thinking about this one a lot this week. A title is what first grabs you for a book, and I've read a lot of books with great titles: Bossypants, The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc, and many more. But the one that sticks out in my mind is:

Doesn't that just have a ring to it. It just sort of rolls out of your mouth. The book itself, on the other hand, is kind of different. It's about prostitution in Victorian era England. So, if that sort of thing offends you I wouldn't recommend it, but it is an interesting commentary on the societal norms and expectations of the era. Even if you don't want to read the book, say the title a few more times. The Crimson Petal and the White... The Crimson Petal and the White... I love it, what can I say?
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Monday, October 3, 2011

Day 27: The most surprising plot twist or ending

I'm pretty tough to surprise. Not a lot shocks me. It's really tough to twist a plot so far that I don't see something coming. So, I'm going to choose a book who's ending mildly surprised, but immensely delighted, me:

In order to avoid any spoilers I'm going not going to tell you how the book ends. Trust me, though, this is one you'll definitely want to read.
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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Day 26: A book that changed your opinion about something

I am a woman of many opinions... many unchangeable opinions. Once I decide to hold an opinion on a matter I generally stand pretty firm. So, this wasn't so much an opinion change as it was my letting go of a stereotype. The book I chose for this topic is:

I read this book *before* it was made into a movie. I saw it on the shelf at B&N and thought, "What the hey... why not."
As a healthcare professional I tend to hold a lot of opinions, many of these centering on the mental health side of things. This book did a lot to dispel some of my opinions and believed stereotypes about psychiatric units in the hospital, and the patients they house.
If you're offended by sex, drugs, or language you might want to look elsewhere, but if you can look past those things I recommend checking this one out.
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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Day 25: The character you relate to the most

Huh. I'm not even sure where to begin on this one. I have such a vast array of characters stashed away in my brain that sifting through them to find the *one* I relate to might take some serious thought. I think I'm going with:


I first read this book maybe 2 years ago. My mom brought it back for me from a reading conference, knowing I have a soft spot for autographed books. This one is extra special, though, because it was autographed by the author AND the illustrator.

Anyway, on to Clementine. Clementine is just sort of her own little person. She has some funny ideas about things, but she's not afraid to march to her own beat. I like to think that I'm like that on some level.

Anyway, this is an early-reader chapter book. It is, however, and adorable story that I think everyone should read. You could even read it with, or too, your kids...


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Friday, September 30, 2011

Day 24: A book that you wish more people would read

I'm not terribly shy about suggesting books to people. Y'know, because I'm not opinionated at all. Anyway, one that I always recommend is:
The problem that I've found with this story is that it's a little slow-starting. I promise, though, that you will absolutely fall in love with Flavia, the main character. She is one of the most endearing child characters I've ever read.
This book is a decent mystery, and the start of a series (I have yet to read the rest... they're buried somewhere in the middle of my "to read" pile).
It's worth working through the slow start to get to the meat of the novel, I promise.
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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Forget-me-not


I had a ticket to attend Women's Conference at the conference center. I opted instead to walk with the Englishes, Curious George, and the Sharkbaby in the Light the Night walk to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I don't, for even one second, regret the choice that I made. Let me explain to you why:

I'd read on Facebook comments from enormous amounts of women that President Uchtdorf's talk was fantastic, that is was written just for them, and how wonderful the conference was.

I felt a little twinge at that, that I'd missed the opportunity to hear this great man speak to our souls. I felt a little sad that I'd missed out on the opportunity to join with a group of my ward sisters, and sisters in the gospel, to lift each other up.

I kept telling myself that I needed to read the talk. If everyone was talking about it, writing about it, etc, that it must be amazing. And then life happened. I could make excuses for why I didn't get around to it. I had to grocery shop, I have a baby to take care of, I work, I'm in school, blahblahblah. The truth is, I forgot that I wanted to read it. Like so many other "gospel" things, it got pushed lower on my priority list. It lost place to being a mom, keeping house, work, and all of the other things that I use to fill my time.

And then this week exploded. For whatever reason I've been moody, emotional, exhausted, and not able to sleep well. Sharkleton has been extra-clingy. The house seems to be in a constant state of upheaval. It's just been one of those weeks.

Anyway, back to my point... I came into work tonight and noticed one of my sweet CNA's reading the talk. I mentioned that I'd heard about it, and that at some point I should make time to read it. Within 5 minutes, she walked up to me, handed me her copy, and told me to take the time right then. I think she was inspired.

I took advantage of a few quiet moments to read the words of that dear man, and the pierced me to my very soul. I know that every other LDS woman feels this way right now, but I can honestly say that talk was for me. My Heavenly Father knew what I needed to hear, and he needed to remind me of some priorities. However, I was chastened and reminded in the most gentle and loving way possible.


"...we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
It’s wonderful that you have strengths.
And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses.
...

Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name—you are the daughters of His kingdom."
There was a reason I needed that on this day at this time. There was a reason that I needed to wait a few extra days to read these wonderful expired words. So, I will strive my hardest to forget them not, because I am not forgotten.
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Day 23: A book you have wanted to read for a long time but haven't

Hm, generally if there's a book I want to read, I just go ahead and do it. There is one, however, that I just can't quite get around to:

I've started to read this book probably 4 different times, and every time I just can't get around to it. So, maybe, I'll get around to it once I'm done with school... and I've worked through my stack of other books to read.
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Day 22: Favorite book you own

My favorite book that I own has to be this little beauty:

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Day 21: Favorite book from your childhood

This one is easy for me. There was one character I always wanted to be, because I love her story so much, and that is Anne.Anne always had such grand adventures! She could create her own fun, no matter what was going on around her. Anne endears herself to you to the point where you feel like you are her bosom buddy.
Every girl needs to read this book. Trust me on this one.


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Day 20: Favorite Romance Book

Wow, it's been quite a long time since I've read a book that could actually be considered a "romance". I might have to think on this one for a few minutes. Ok, so this isn't actually a romance novel, but it is a love story. This is the second book in the "Isaac" series, by Ben Behunin (a local SLC author).

The reasons I call this a love story are mostly the following:
1. Jake, the main character, and Amy, his girlfriend, fall in love. (They meet and start dating in the first book)
2. Jake falls in love with the town of Neiderbipp.
3. You learn about several other love stories.

I won't give away any more information than that, just take my word for it and read the series.


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Sunday, September 25, 2011

Day 19: Favorite movie from a book

It is incredibly rare for me to like the movie version of a story more than I like the book version. In fact, this may be the only actual case I can think of. I first saw this movie:
and loved it so much that I just HAD to read this book:


Because I thought, "Hey, if I love the movie this much, I'm bound to love the book just that much more. That's the way it always works for me." Boy, was I ever disappointed. Generally speaking, I LOVE Neil Gaiman. I find his books to be incredibly fanciful, fun, and downright funny.
After seeing the Stardust movie, I found the book to be incredibly lacking. It just didn't have to quirkiness, the sweetness, and the fun that the movie did. I found that the parts of the story that were focused on in the book weren't as entertaining to me as the parts that were focused on in the movie.
Anyway, in a nutshell, the movie is worth seeing but the book is worth skipping.
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Saturday, September 24, 2011

Day 18: A book that disappointed you


As I've been pondering today's assignment, I've discovered something about myself. Most of the books that have disappointed me have been a part of a series. Generally, the last book in a series. For example: Breaking Dawn (anticlimactic, lame plot line, and Renesmee), and the one I'm going to write about today:

Yes, I was horribly disappointed in Mockingjay. I HATED the way it ended. I felt like it was unnecessary and brutal. I felt like it was also a bit of a cop-out. I loved the rest of the series and devoured them as soon as they came out. It was the same way with Mockingjay.

And then I got into the book. I couldn't stop reading (mostly because once I've started a series I HAVE to finish it) but it seemed to go from one horrific scene the the next.

I won't give away any spoilers for the rest of you, but just know that I was disappointed.
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8 is great

A break from the book challenge (it will continue later today) for Sharkbaby's 8 month letter.

My Sweet Monkey,
Would you please stop growing already? I can't believe it has already been 8 months. You are getting so big!
This was a big month for you. You've become much more mobile. You're still not crawling, or rolling over from your back to your tummy, but you can backward scoot on the floor and you can get from sitting up onto your tummy.
You have two teeth now, both on the bottom. It took a little while for you to get them in, but you're a happy boy now that you have them.
You picked up a few new skills this month. You've been clapping your hands for awhile now, but you love to sing the song "If you're happy and you know it". You've also learned what to do when Mommy and Daddy say, "bang, bang, bang". You proceed to take whatever toy you're holding, or sometimes just your hand, and bang it on the nearest surface. We've heard a few words from you this month, too. You'll say "dadadada" and just today started "uh-oh".
Your daddy is still your favorite person in the whole world. Anytime he comes around you get so excited. You start to clap, giggle, squeal, and get very happy. You love getting to spend time with your grandparents. You love that you get spoiled by them.
Well, my sweet baby, I love you more and more each day. I love that we're learning all of these new things together. I love you to the moon and back!
Love,
Mama
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Friday, September 23, 2011

Day 17: Favorite quote from a book

This may have been the first one that wasn't a struggle for me. When I saw today's topic I knew exactly what I wanted to write about. The following quote comes from "The Beyonder's" by Brandon Mull:



“So many misconceptions surround the notion of heroism. Far too many categorize a hero as a champion on the battlefield, a commander of legions, a master of rare talent or ability. Granted, there have been heroes who fit those descriptions. But many men of great evil as well. Heed me. A hero sacrifices for the greater good. A hero is true to his or her conscience. In short, heroism means doing the right thing regardless of the consequences. Although any person could fit that description, very few do. Choose this day to be one of them."



Since I've already written a blog post on "everyday heroism" I'll just leave it at this: Have you chosen to be a hero?






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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Day 16: Favorite Female Character


Oh dear, we've got ourselves another conundrum. If I thought I had a hard time picking a favorite male character, I'm going to have an even harder time choosing a favorite female. Do I go the Harry Potter route, which is filled with smart and strong women? Do I go with something from Sarah Addison Allen? Or do I dig into my past like I did for the last one. *sigh* With so many choices I'm going to cop out a bit and go with...
Molly Weasley
It's true, I love Mrs. Weasley. I think she is the embodiment of motherhood. She is not only a mother to her own children, but to anyone in need of one. She does her best with the circumstances and hand she is dealt in life.

One thing that I love about Molly Weasley is that she doesn't back down in the face of adversity. She holds strong to her beliefs and is willing to fight for the right. I also love that she loves her children unconditionally. She doesn't always agree with what they say or do, but they are hers and she will fight to the grave for them.

To me, she seems to make anyplace she goes "home". She truly cares about everyone she comes into contact with, and is willing to take anyone she can fit under her wing. I think that, as a mother, there are a lot of things I could learn from Molly Weasley.

Plus, she has a really cool clock.
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Day 15: Favorite Male Character

Another favorite. How can I possibly choose just one? I have deep love in my heart for Ron, Fred, and George Weasley. I really enjoy Warren from Fablehaven. I love Jake from the "Isaac" series. But I'm going to have to dig back into my past for this one and go with...

Gilbert Blythe
Anybody who has ever read the "Anne" series knows what I'm talking about. Gilbert Blythe is about as close to the perfect man as any I've ever found. And most of that comes down to one simple fact: he never gives up on his love for Anne.

Now, it's been a long time since I've read this series (maybe I'll revisit once I'm not in school), but from what I remember, Gilbert pursues Anne across the course of years. He is handsome, kind, smart, and an all-around good man. He is the fantasy husband that all of us PEI-loving little girls wanted to marry when we grew up (and looked for in all of our childhood tormentors).

So, here's to you Dr. Blythe... the fantasy husband of many girls my age.
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Day 14: Favorite book from your favorite writer

Again with the favorites... Well, since I already blogged about my *true* SAA favorite, I'll write about one of her other books:
This was the second book written by Ms. Allen, and the second one I read. I read it every fall to kick off the fall/winter season. In fact, I'll be rereading it in the next month sometime.

If you read this book you will fall in love with the characters. Your heart will go out to, and ache for, the women of this book: Josey, Della Lee, and Chloe. They have a depth to them that you don't often find in fantasy characters.

Again, this book has a flair for the magic that is intrinsic to each of us. Plus, Josey's sweet tooth will make you hungry.

Trust me, devour this book while snacking on a moonpie.



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