HE LOVES ME

Sooooo... this happened last night:

I'm pretty sure my husband loves me!  ;-)

And the weather is changing... Sooooo:

"Baby, it's cold outside!"

But in Colorado, they are hiking and enjoying the outdoors:

Cousins hiking.... (with a dog)

The beauty of Colorado!

Fun times!

Gorgeous vistas!

Cousins who hike together.... Have lasting friendships!

Yes, Ben's kids are visiting!  (Starburst and Kiwi)

And Kiara is learning GREAT life lessons:

"Look, mom, a budget!" 

When you look good, you feel good!

I love reading.  And I love it when I find a book that I really, truly love.  A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute is "bonza!"  It involves history, geography, travel, adventure, misery, joy, evil and love.  I lost myself in the heat of Malaysia and then adored the dusty Australia terrain and the people there.  The story is timeless.  I loved the message of love's survival in the face of desperate odds.  It's a truly satisfying book.

I also recently finished reading Matriarchs of the Messiah by Jo Ann Skousen.  It was so wonderful!  I loved reading about the lives and contributions of the women in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  Even when little is revealed in the actual scriptures, she is able to "fill in the gaps" by using a multitude of historical sources.  She also has a unique LDS perspective and a mother's perspective.  I really loved how she made these amazing women come "alive" to me and I was able to really relate to them.  I read this book for research, for my NaNoWriMo plans this November.  And I am excited to study this book more and really learn about these great women and try to emulate their courageousness and virtuous lives.

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan was recommended to me by my sister-in-law.  So naturally I bought it and read it.  I'm glad I did.  When you read a brief description about this book, it explains that the 12-year-old protagonist Willow is a genius misfit and an orphan (twice over).  I assumed it would be a really sad book.  But it's not.  It's quirky, uplifting and heartwarming.  Yes, the themes of loneliness and loss are present, but it is also about taking chances, healing, starting over and learning to connect.  I also loved that there was no boyfriend/girlfriend stuff and no bad language.  It was just thought provoking.  I liked it.  (I don't think "coming of age" novels are my favorite genre... but this one wasn't a bad book.  In fact, it might be good for a LOT of teaching opportunities with your kids who read it.)