Sunday, August 30, 2009

Book Review Eyes Like Mine by Julie Wright

I have been reading a lot lately. I love to read, but at this time of year, I am usually working on Christmas projects. This year, I still can't bend my left index finger enough to be able to crochet, so I am indulging myself with reading books by my favorite authors.
I first read Julie Wright's books a few years ago. He first book "To Catch A Falling Star" intrigued me because it was set in Boston, and that's close to home. It turned out it was set in Northborough, MA (My home town) and Algonquin Regional High School (My school). I devoured every word and went looking for more.
Its been a long time since Julie had a new book published, so when I was in Salt Lake City in July and saw this one I had to have it.
I loved this story, I had a hard time putting it down, so I could sleep. I love Family History, and I was intrigued by the storyline involving an ancestor coming forward in time. (If only I could get my ancestors to come for a visit).

A story of family that transcends time William has been missing for two days. And even though the rest of the wagon company has decided they must continue on to Zion, Constance Brown refuses to go any further until she finds her husband. All she can think about is the last time she saw him-he lovingly touched her face and then sang their baby girl to sleep. Will that memory be all Constance has to hold on to?
In a future time and place, Liz King is a teenager struggling with her identity in the modern world. The embarrassment she feels because of her parents' divorce and her family's new found financial problems turns to bitterness.

Through an inexplicable twist of fate, Constance and Liz are brought face to face. Liz recognizes Constance's name from her mother's endless lectures on their family history, and she also recognizes her eyes-they are exactly like her own.

Were these distant relatives brought together in order to help each other? Will Constance be able to return to her own life and find William, and will Liz be able to keep from telling Constance how her story ends?

In this irresistible novel filled with gripping adventure and heartfelt emotion, two young women from drastically different times and settings learn that the challenges life holds for them are not so different after all.
I recommend this book, to anyone, from teens to adults.
It is available at Seagull Book, Deseret Book & Amazon.com, or check your library for inter library loan.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

It's been three years since the terrible night Emily Ramsey suffered a double tragedy-the death of her sister and the disappearance of her fiancee. She deserves another chance at happiness, and gentle, adorable Zach Sullivan is the perfect man to mend her shattered heart. But from the moment Emily opens the hand-carved box holding a glittering diamond solitaire, she's seized by an unshakable fear: she's going to lose Zach. That's exactly what Monica, Zach's ex-girlfriend, is banking on. Bitter with envy, Monica will stop at nothing to sabotage Zach and Emily's romance. Troubling notes show up in Emily's mailbox, fanning the flames of suspicion. A bloody photograph sends her reeling. But when someone is brutally murdered, will Emily be able to escape suspicion and the possibility that she might be next? Whitney Award-winning author Stephanie Black treats readers to another of her brilliantly thrilling stories that will leave the reader no choice but to keep reading well past the stroke of midnight.

Since publishing her 1st book in 2005, Stephanie Black has never disappointed. Her newest book "Methods of Madness" is no exception. I only wished I could stay up and read longer at night, or that my days at work were less busy so I could read longer

I love a romantic thriller, and Stephanie has delivered just that. From page 1 to the end there are twists and turns that leave you guessing, and just when you have the guilty person picked out, there is a new twist that leaves you guessing some more.
I would highly recommend reading Methods of Madness, if you love a good thriller.
This book is available at Seagull Book, Deseret Book or as always through inter library loan.

For more information about Stephanie Black's books click here.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

AUGUST FAMILY BIRTHDAY PARTY

Saturday evening we gathered at Aunt Karen's house for our monthly birthday party.

We celebrated the birthday's of:

Ryan age 10

Chad age 32--admittedly not a good picture, he moved too fast.

Karen age 66
There were presents

Chad & Max

Shari & Karen

Cake & Ice Cream

Cherry Cheesecake & Mint Moose Tracks Ice Cream

Kari
and writing letters or drawing pictures for our missionaries Sister Jenn and Elder Jared

Carson & Gramma Lori
see more pictures here

GREEK PROVERB

It is not good for all our wishes to be filled; through sickness we recognize the value of health; through evil, the value of good; through hunger, the value of food; through exertion, the value of rest.
- Greek Proverb

Sunday, August 23, 2009

You Took My Place

One day, a man went to visit a church, He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, " I always park there! You took my place!"
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!"
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.
After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down... Another member walked up to him and said, " That's where I always sit! You took my place!"
The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment,but still He said nothing..
Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place."

Friday, August 21, 2009

GOOD ADVICE

On Monday night a cyber friend, that I've known for many years, last her husband of 19 years, with no warning to a heart attack. She posted some advise on Facebook early Tuesday morning. I felt it was a good reminder and wanted to share it.

"Please spend time with your family, express your love every day, don't let harsh words or feelings rob you, because one never knows when life as you know it ends. We think we are in charge, but we aren't. Be there for each other. All the money, position, etc, doesn't matter if the family ties are broken. I love you all."

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

COME & PLAY

Is Jesus your friend?

Then...First, you go to this link, and watch a classic video because it's just TOO good to pass up.
Second, you link it to your blog and share the good news!
ZAP!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

LDS FOREVER FRIENDS LUNCH

This afternoon we had a get together with a few of the members of LDS Forever Friends who live in AZ.
It was a fun afternoon, with good company. In attendance were Janette Rallison and her husband Guy, Chris, Deidra, Kal'el, Lori, Marjean & I.
Of course I have some pictures and I borrowed a few from Marjean.
Back: Janette & Guy Rallison, Marjean, Chris, Kal'el, Lori
Front: Mary, Deirdra

Deirdra, Kal'el & Mary

Left: Marjean, Janette Rallison Right: Deirdra, Chris, Kal'el, Guy, Lori


Mary, with Kal'el,( he had enough of the fun and decided a nap was in order), Marjean, Janette

Lori & Janette Rallison (this picture is to prove to Brianna that her Mom did have lunch with Janette)

Chris & Deirdra
We will have another lunch soon, hopefully more of our Arizona friends will be able to attend.

To join LDSFOREVERFRIENDS click here

I'M 1 FINGER DOWN

A few months ago I noticed a lump on my left index finger. Since I had been crocheting a lot in preparation for Christmas, I decided it was probably related. As time went on the lump got bigger, so finally I went to see my PCP. After an ultrasound, x-rays and an MRI (not the place for a claustrophobic person to be) the hand specialist sent me to an orthopedic oncologist.

He decided removing the lump surgically was the best option, so on Aug 4 I went in to Banner Good Samaritan and had it removed. I was lucky not to have to go under general antithetic, they did a Beir Block instead. That involved cutting off circulation to the arm and using a local antithetic to make sure there is no sensation. The only thing I felt is my arm started to hurt after circulation had been cut off for a while. I napped most of the time they were doing the surgery.

I spent 4 days wrapped up like this. I was out of work for 4 days, because among other things (like not being allowed to shower) its hard to do anything without my left index finger.


On Friday 8/7 I went to see the Dr. He removed the bondage hand gear, and gave me the OK to return to work on Monday 8/10.


As time passes I can do more with my finger, but it still doesn't bend much. I'm hoping when I get the stitches out on Wednesday 8/19 I will be able to start bending it more, in preparation to start crocheting again.

The result of the biopsy done on the lump was that it was a benign large cell tumor. YAY!!!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

BOOK REVIEW Season of Sarifice by Tristi Pinkston

Sarah Williams is a young Welsh immigrant, coming to Utah to join her sister Mary Ann Perkins. When the Perkins are asked to join the San Juan mission to pioneer a trail through Southern Utah, they take Sarah along to help care for the children. But a six-week journey turns into six agonizing months of hard work and toil as the Saints blast their way through a cliff to bring their wagons through what would become the famous Utah landmark "Hole in the Rock."
Finally settled in the San Juan, Sarah's true hardship begins when Ben Perkins asks her to be his second wife. With their faith and testimonies challenged to the core, both Sarah and Mary Ann struggle to find the true meaning of Christ-like love and obedience. Will they make it through?


Before I read this book I knew practically nothing about the missionaries sent to colonize the San Juan River are of Utah. This book tells about the trip to the San Juan over some of the roughest territory in Utah. Their trip was only 200 miles, but it took 6 months. There was very little grass for the stock and no towns where they could replenish their supplies.
They had to stop and build roads through canyons, and had to figure out how to get the wagons through hole in the rock, which had a sheer drop of several thousand feet on the other side.
This book is based on the ancestors of Tristi Pinkston, the author, who were in the wagon train. It is well worth reading, I learned a lot about this expedition, that I never knew before.
I bought this book directly from Tristi, http://tristipinkston.com/ but it should be available online or through inter library loan.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

CRY FOR FREEDOM CONTEST


ABOUT THE CONTEST

CRY FOR FREEDOM Contest
Win dinner with Mark L. Shurtleff at the Market Street Grill and a free copy of "Am I Not a Man? The Dred Scott Story"
Valor Publishing and Mark L. Shurtleff, Utah's Attorney General and the author of "Am I Not a Man? The Dred Scott Story" are excited to launch the following contest:
The first paragraphs in the "Am I Not a Man" The Dred Scott Story" echoes the cry of the oppressed and enslaved:
"To him, the river sang. It intoned but one word, repeated with every ripple, and lap, and tide. One word that began with a gurgle far to the North, crescendoed through the heart of a nation, and climaxed in the Deep South with such force that no power on earth could hold it back. One word that bled from every pore. One word: FREEDOM!
"The "Father of Waters" sang, not with the splash of waves lapping against the levee, for the Mighty Mississippi was wide, and thick, and slow. It slid like a solid mass of glacial mud that had been moving toward the sea since before the Fall of Adam. It was ancient by the time Moses led the Children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. No, its melody was something more profound and ancient, and it harmonized with something deep inside Dred, and filled his very being so that he was powerless to ignore it. He turned toward the river, closed his eyes, and whispered the song of the slave."
To enter, please submit a 600-word essay on the concept of Freedom. Pay attention to your spelling and punctuation, and email your entry to Contests. Our Selection Board will review the entries and select the winner, which will be announced here on our website on October 1, 2009 by 5:00 p.m. MST.
Prize: The winner will receive an autographed and personalized SPECIAL LIMITED FIRST EDITION of Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story along with dinner for two with Mark L. Shurtleff, Utah State Attorney General, at the Market Street Grill in Salt Lake City, UT. (If the winner is located out of Utah, or otherwise not able to attend the dinner in Salt Lake City, a gift card will be awarded for a local restaurant.)
We invite you to spread the word to your children’s schools, your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. We’d love to have thousands of entries in this contest. Candace E. Salima President, Valor Publishing Group, LLC http://valorpublishinggroup.com/

ABOUT THE BOOK

OREM, UT – 7 August 2009:

Valor Publishing spent the last two days at the LDSBA booksellers convention in Sandy, UT. Mark L. Shurtleff did a 2-hour signing on the first day and by the end of the second day it was the most talked about book at the convention. All in all, Mark wowed the booksellers and his book blew them away. Almost every store, sans Canada, U.K. and New Zealand, placed orders for "Am I Not a Man? The Dred Scott Story".
In celebration of this wonderful success we decided to tweak our preorders on Mark Shurtleff's book.
Labor Day Special! Valor Publishing has decided to offer the LIMITED FIRST EDITION, numbered, autographed "Am I Not a Man? The Dred Scott Story" at a 12% discount through Labor Day.
This is an heirloom quality book with decaled edges and one worth placing in every single library, be it home, school or city. Only 5,000 of these books (Yes, we doubled it) will be printed. You will receive yours a full 14 days before it hits the shelves. After that, the book will be released in hardback to the stores nationwide.
Here is an excerpt from "Am I not a Man? The Dred Scott Story" by Mark L. Shurtleff:

"To him, the river sang. It intoned but one word, repeated with every ripple, and lap, and tide. One word that began with a gurgle far to the North, crescendoed through the heart of a nation, and climaxed in the Deep South with such force that no power on earth could hold it back. One word that bled from every pore. One word: FREEDOM!"
"The “Father of Waters” sang, not with the splash of waves lapping against the levee, for the Mighty Mississippi was wide, and thick, and slow. It slid like a solid mass of glacial mud that had been moving toward the sea since before the Fall of Adam. It was ancient by the time Moses led the Children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. No, its melody was something more profound and ancient, and it harmonized with something deep inside Dred, and filled his very being so that he was powerless to ignore it. He turned toward the river, closed his eyes, and whispered the song of the slave." © May 2009 by Mark L. Shurtleff

So head on over to Valor Publishing Group and reserve your copy now. It makes the perfect gift, or it can be something that you yourself treasure as you read it over and over again.
The cost of the book will be higher in stores due to taxes, but those who buy the book now will not only avoid the hassle of waiting in lines, you'll also save gas and time. At your specially discounted price of $22.00, and only $5.00 for shipping and handling, oh and there are no taxes.
All books will be guaranteed to be in excellent condition, suitable for collectors. http://valorpublishinggroup.com/books/1shurtleff.htm

TO DO LIST

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

WORCESTER WARD REUNION

While I had fun with family on Thursday Night and Friday, the main reason for the road trip was a Reunion of the members of the Worcester Ward who have moved west.
The party was hosted by Joe and Audri Ence.

Linda Fuller with Joe & Max Ence

Max was born a week before the party.

There were a lot of people there, old timers


Jay & Dalene Holbrook

Jalene Holbrook McDonald & Linley Hopkins Baker

And newer people

Doug Parry

There was a lot of visiting, and catching up with every one.

I learned important things like Carl Blomberg & Ted Baker are still alive and doing the Ward Chicken BBQ every year, and Bill & Lois Ence are waiting for a mission call.


It was a very fun night and one I hope we can repeat again.

ROAD TRIP

>Last Thursday 7/30 Erik and I left Dad's house at 5 AM on a road trip to Salt Lake City. I decided to go up through Flagstaff, and it was a nice route, cool, and a little rainy. We made a few rest stops along the way including the Visitor's Center at Glen Canyon Dam


We made good progress in our travel, until a planned side trip to Santaquin, Utah. For a place so small we spent a lot of time finding the house.


Even with stops and the time difference we got there in about 12 hours.


Thursday evening we visited for a while in Uncle David's yard. Danny & Erin came over.


Danny & Erin

Danny & Daddy Erik

Friday Uncle David & Aunt Dolores took, Erik, Erin, Danny & me out to lunch at Chuck a Rama. Lots of good food and good company.


We headed home Saturday Morning, and it was pretty much the same, except no side trip to Santaqin.

We were back in Tolleson by 8:15 PM