the silence of god

I just finished this and want to recommend it to everyone! This is an excellent historical novel based on the Lindlof family who were the first LDS members to live in Russia. It begins at the turn of the century when Tsar Nicholas was still in power and the Bolsheviks had yet to take over. Elder Lyman came to Russia in 1903 to dedicate the land of Russia for missionary work and the Lindlof family was present for that dedication which took place in the Summer Garden in St. Petersburg. Their journey then truly begins as they fight for their faith and love of Russia when, in 1917, the revolution envelops their country. This trial tests their promise to God in that, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law". Gale Sears really did her homework and sheds a light on the endurance of this faithful family.

look ma! no training wheels

We have had a busy month! All of the fam was together for the first time in years and we enjoyed every single minute. In the midst of it all, M learned how to ride his bike minus the training wheels. He had set this goal at the beginning of the summer but didn't feel comfortable enough to truly go for it. Until now...

Dad giving him a few pointers before he sets his sails.

Getting ready for his send-off.

Mi-mi polishing her skills.

He's off!


Now we can't get him to stop. He is so confident with his newly acquired skill. He likes to ride like the wind. We love summer with all its diversions and happy times. And pictures like this:

fallon

If you missed the Emmy's last night, no worries. You really didn't miss much. Jimmy Fallon pretty much owned the night and his bits were the best of the show. Ricky Gervais was also funny when he presented. But Fallon's opening for the show was absolutely electric with all the cameo's and awesome Glee setting. Here it is for your viewing enjoyment:

fanatical friday

We have been having way too much fun. I think the cousin playtime has been the best so far but we always like to throw in an activity here and there: going for ice cream cones, a trip to the park, running through the sprinklers, swimming, playing dodgeball with grandpa. Grandpa even took the kids to the park and ran races with them. He won both races but pulled a hammy and procured a bloody nose in the process. So, like I said, a very enjoyable and lively time.

Today was no different. We all ventured down to Maddox and had a fantastic lunch together. Then decided shopping would be the best afternoon activity and rounded off the day with a jaunt to the park.









Way. Too. Much. Fun.

favorite children's books

We love Rosemary Wells and her Max and Ruby series. But we have now become fans of her newest character, Felix. He is a super cute guinea pig who either eats too much before bedtime or has a hard time sleeping through the night.


This lovable character deals with going to the doctor and also keeping his worries at bay. Both books subtly deal with children's fears and Wells expertly portrays his every mood through her art. Definitely worth checking out.

addition

Bonuses to being pregnant:

• I have an excuse for getting fat
• Excuse for not doing sit-ups anymore
• I get to eat an extra 200 calories
• I have an excuse to sit and be lazy
• The first time I feel the baby kick is like opening a present Christmas morning
• My skin is softer and clearer (adult acne beware!)
• Afternoon naps become a priority
• having an excuse to buy new clothes

Cons to being pregnant:

• Feeling like absolute...blah
• Everything gets bigger
• Zero energy or motivation to get anything done
• Being absolutely drained and exhausted by 5pm
• Morning sickness
• Constantly thinking and planning my next meal
• Making sure I have food around me at all times
• The day when your non-pregnancy jeans don't fit anymore
• realizing the scale doesn't lie especially when a nurse is looking over your shoulder
• not being able to sleep on my tummy anymore :(

But, of course, the beautiful reward in the end is worth every stretch mark, fat joke, cankle, pound gained. We don't find out the sex of the baby until the end of this month. Any guesses?