Friends

We had our first ever Mardi Gras party at our friends, the Johnson's.  Their little boy, Noah is just a few weeks younger than Brielle, so it's fun to see them developing new skills at approximately the same time.  They are now just starting to notice other babies, so they were really intrigued by each other at the party:

 

And then Brielle poked Noah in the eye...  We have to work on being gentle.  And hand-eye coordination.

Book List

Finding time to read these days is precious, but I've managed to get a few good books in over the past few months.  Since I'm always looking for a good read, I figure lots of my friends are too, so I thought I'd give a quick run-down of the books I've been reading:

The Undaunted.  Written in true Gerald Lund fashion, this book is reminiscent of the Work and the Glory series, but very enjoyable.  I really appreciate that he chose to tell a story that not very many people hear concerning the Hole in the Rock pioneers.  I was also interested in the story of English coal mines, shocked to discover just how brutal they were.  The love story was enjoyable, although a little predictable.  The historical facts were fascinating.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

Good Hope Road by Lisa Wingate.  This is one of my new favorite authors.  Lisa Wingate lives in Texas and writes charming stories based mostly in... Texas!  I think her characters are charming and witty, although her love stories seem to mimic each other.  Good Hope Road was super refreshing, since there was no love story involved.  This book takes place in Missouri, in the aftermath of a devastating tornado.  It's a wonderful exploration of broken homes, selfishness, neighborly love, and most of all, hope.  5 out of 5 stars.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale.  If you're looking for a cute, short read, this is a great one.  I thought the story was entertaining, about a girl who, while learning to become a princess fit for a prince, learns much more and ultimately saves her village.

As I said, I'm always looking for a good read, so if you have any suggestions, I'm open!

I Love This Face

 

She sure loves her carrots!

Some Thoughts on Love

As Valentine's Day has fallen on Sunday this year, I've been doing some thinking about love on an eternal scale.

First, I have been thinking about the love the Savior has for all of us.  He came and died for each of us, and as the scripture says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  As I sat in the temple this week, thinking on this, I thought about how just coming and dying was not enough.  He had to die in the most savage and brutal way possible.  As I pondered on why this would be, this scripture came to mind, "The Son of Man that descended below them all.  Art thou greater than he?"  The Savior truly descended below all men to save them.  What a wonderful gift to remember on Valentine's Day.

Second, I have been impressed with the story of Adam and Eve.  Adam's mission was truly important, as he chose a spiritual death by partaking of the forbidden fruit so that we might have life (see this scripture).  Not only that, but his marriage to Eve was of such importance, that when she partook of the fruit, Adam did as well.  Getting a new woman to be with him in the Garden while Eve was cast out was not an option.  What a great example of the commitment of an eternal marriage.

Finally, I am extremely grateful for the love of a wonderful husband.  I am thankful for the righteous and kind man that he is.  He tells me that he loves me everyday in the many things that he does.  I am thankful for my sweet little girl and the whole new meaning of love that she has brought into our lives.

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweethearts!

The M Word

That's me. Trying to find the motivation
To shower.
To vacuum my floors.
To train for a 6K.
To make my bed.
To finish the shelf I'm making for Brielle's room.
To file the stacks (note the plural) of papers that have taken over the office.
To make cookies for the new neighbors next door.
To eat healthy food and lay off the nachos, Doritos, M&Ms, ice cream, etc.
To plan my garden.

So if you see my motivation, please send it my way. It will know where to find me. On the couch.