Yo! Rudolph!

This is Maddie at her dance studio practicing for the Winter Preview.  I hope you like her hip-hop moves!

Book Review of Before the Dawn

Before the Dawn By Dean Hughes 293 pages. Deseret Book, c2007. $22.95

The book opens with the good Bishop Bowen interrupting widow Leah Sorenson's plowing. He came to call her to be the new Relief Society president. Leah thought she was the worst woman for the job as she was rough around the edges. But as the times were tough in Utah in 1932, Leah was just the woman for the job.I enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't a page turner, but it was entertaining. If you have liked other Dean Hughes books (Children of the Promise, Saboteur), you will probably like this one. It was interesting to read what the Church was probably like during the Great Depression in a small town in Utah. The greater message of the book, however, is the need for Relief Society in any time, and the great purpose we sisters have to support eachother and contribute to our communities.

"It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas"

I recorded this yesterday at Maddie's dance class.  She will be missing her December recital, so this is the best you will see of her.  I think she's doing fantastic!!

Book Review of The Book Thief

The Book Thief By Markus Zusak 576 pages. Knopf Books for Young Readers, c2007. $9.59

This book came to me highly recommended.  It's a Book Sense Book of the Year (2006)Award winner!  Everywhere I look there is nothing but glowing praise for this book.  I, however, did not particularly like this book.The narrator is Death.  What a fascinating idea!  The humor and imagery were amazing.  The writing was interesting, intense and unique.  But, it is another WWII story about a little poor girl in Germany.  You know how it's going to end...nothing but tears.Perhaps if I hadn't already read the Diary of Anne Frank, I would have enjoyed this better.  Maybe I'll even recommend this book to my kids instead of the Diary.  But, probably not.  It just lacks the realism that Anne Frank had to offer. While this book is excellent in form, it is not one I recommend - unless of course you feel like a good cry.

Our Kindergarten Feast

Maddie's kindergarten class had a feast today.  She dressed up like a pilgrim and ate pumpkin pie, popcorn, and other goodies.  Ryan came to class too and loved every minute of it!  He wishes that he could be in kindergarten too!

Upward Bound and the Derby

Monday was Macky's last night with his basketball team.  He had a nice time with his team, but is very glad that it's over.  He's decided that kung fu is his favorite and we will do just that for a while. Upward Bound was just fantastic though.  For his last night, they put on a big show at the Neighborhood Church.  They had a unicyclist and juggler come in and entertain the children.  He was unbelievable.  His unicycle was frighteningly tall, don't you think?
Last Saturday was the pinewood derby.  Spencer and Mac had lots of fun making their car.  They put weights into the car and carved it.  They painted it yellow with scary snakes to intimidate the other cars.  Unfortunately, they didn't spend enough time on their wheels, and apparently that was their downfall.  Mac didn't win, but he had fun at the event.  Grampie Bob came too, and they all enjoyed the BBQ.

Book Review of The Brothers

The Great and the Terrible, Volume 1: Prologue, The Brothers By Chris Stewart 224 pages. Deseret Book, c2003. $17.95

I really want to read the fourth book in this series, but I just had to start at the beginning.  I hate to start a series in the middle!  This first volume of the Great and Terrible series takes place in the premortal existence.  We learn about a valiant family who is torn apart by the war in Heaven.  Satan is in open rebellion and is working hard to bring all the spirits he can to his side, while Christ and Michael are doing all that they can to not loose anyone. 

The book is very interesting.  I enjoyed Chris Stewart’

s perspective.  Previously I had not put much thought into what life was like before the Creation.  Stewart helped me to feel like a fly on the wall during great events.  I think it moved a bit slowly, but picked up steam near the end.  I will continue reading the series to see where he takes me.