Today

Grab a tissue. You're going to need it.

I'm a big fan of Brad Paisley. He always has the best lyrics and just tells it like it is. This song is no exception. It's about our happy todays that make our tomorrows more bearable. Be sure to listen to the lyrics, but it's the video that will make you cry. Don't worry, they'll be happy tears!



"Bring on tomorrow, because a memory of a day like today can get you through the rest of your life."

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

If I'd seen this book in the library, I would have walked right past it. This does not look like my kind of book. But I was intrigued when a friend, whose judgement I respect and trust, gave it five stars (which she seldom does) and said it's "just about perfect."

So I checked it out.

A Monster Calls is very compelling. I found myself picking it up whenever I could sneak in a minute or two (or 15 or 60). Spencer had a bunch of friends over this afternoon. I was reading in the living room, but had to discreetly get up and go in my bedroom when the tears started. I couldn't help it. I knew if I had to talk to anyone, I'd be a disaster. I pretty much cried through the last fourth of the book. I had decided I'd like to read it aloud with Soren, but I quickly realized there were parts where I would not be able to talk through the tears.

The illustrations throughout are beautifully haunting, and completely appropriate for the story.

Here is the book description from Goodreads:

The monster showed up after midnight. As they do.

But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming…

This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth.

I know how it looks, but A Monster Calls isn't scary. It's just very honest and real. And sad. And completely unique. I'm not sure I've ever read a book like it before.

If you read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

{Recommended for ages 12+.}

Before and After: My Dining Room Table

We have two dining room tables. When Sam and Savannah were at home, we used both tables, end to end, which comfortably fit all eight of us. Once Savannah left, we were able to go down to one table with the center leaf extended to make a square.

We weren't sure what to do with the table we weren't using anymore. The top of it was in pretty rough shape because our dining room is Grand Central Station around here. (Because we don't have an eat-in kitchen, our dining room table is used for every meal as well as homework, games, etc.) I had seen some fun stenciling ideas on the internet and my wheels started turning.  I figured I had nothing to lose so I decided to sand down the top and try out an idea.

This shows the contrast between the original table and what was underneath.

All sanded and ready to go!

December 24th was unseasonably warm so I was able to do all the sanding then. Unfortunately, the weather turned pretty cold after that so the newly sanded table sat in the garage for the next several weeks. (I'm a big wimp when it comes to the cold!) Last week, Jeff hauled the table in the house and set it up in the basement so I could finish my project.

I used some old vinyl colors I never use and cut out huge stencils. Then I went to work with navy and white stain. I only have a couple of pictures of the process. In the first one, you can see why I had a hard time knowing if the blue was dark enough. The poor lighting and the contrast between the funky stencil colors and the navy stain was very misleading. I believe I added one more coat of blue stain after this picture was taken. Once the stencil was removed, the color really popped!

Almost done. All I had left at this point was to finish the white stripes on the right side and fill in a few more letters (University) with white.

And, as of about 9:00 this morning, here's the all-but-finished project. The only thing left to do is to finish it off with a few coats of polyurethane. Jeff is planning to do that this weekend.

A close up. I love how it turned out! 

Overall, the project was harder than I expected and I learned a lot along the way, but I love our one-of-a-kind table. Can you tell we love our BYU? :)

Is That a Compliment?

Imagesource

As Sadie headed to bed tonight, she kissed me on the cheek. Then she told me how much she loves my skin because it's so soft! As she stroked my cheeks, she said she wishes she had soft skin like mine. I assured her that her skin is soft as well, but she insisted that mine is a different soft.

She struggled to find just the right words--

"Yours is so...um...it's just so...wrinkle soft!" 

I think there's a compliment in there somewhere. (Why do I suddenly feel so old?!)

I Think They're Mocking Me

Preppy

In cleaning out some neglected nooks and crannies around here and I came across a note card where I'd jotted down an exchange between the girls a while back. It totally made me laugh! I don't know how long ago this was, but my guess would put Savannah around age 13 and Sadie about 5 or 6. For the record, they've mellowed out since then, which is the only reason I've been given permission to post it here. :)

Sadie was trying on some clothes. When she tried on a certain sweater, I told her it looked preppy. Savannah chimed in, "No, it doesn't, mom. I know what preppy means. I'm a prep."

Sadie's immediate reply was, "What does 'prep' mean? Does it mean you're mean? Does it mean you fight with your parents a lot?" 

Ah, out of the mouths of babes.

Imagesource

Scripture Study At Our House

Scripture study happens pretty early around here. We get the kids up at 5:30 before the oldest three leave for early morning seminary. It's the one time of day we know everyone will be home at the same time. The other day, Jeff managed to get everyone out of bed and into the living room, but this is what I found when I walked in:

Not to be deterred, we still read from the Book of Mormon. I think everyone, however sleepy, took their turn. Or maybe I ended up reading for a kid or two. Some days it works out better than others, but at least we're trying! :)

Persuasion

Soren has been learning to write persuasive essays at school. He brought home the following essay in an attempt to convince Sterling to play with him more often. I love his reasons and supporting paragraphs. My favorite part: "I'll do what you want me to do (probably). I won't freak out when we stop (maybe)." My least favorite part: "I know you have to do work, but why not do it later?" Hmmm...

Overall, I think he's got a pretty good argument. Let's hope Sterling thinks so, too. :)

The Pit of Stress

Soren drew this picture for me:

Look what is on the back:

Each little box is something he'll do -- He'll help clean the house twice and help with three jobs, etc.

Thanks, Soren! You made my day. :)

Love you, buddy.

On My Fridge

Do you see it? I know I shouldn't laugh, but I did. (It's better than crying, right?)  I like how "they" at least tried to be sort of subtle about it. Good thing I'm not running for a popularity contest around here! :)