Happy First Birthday Eliza!

Our beautiful niece Eliza celebrated her first birthday on Monday.  She is so wonderful!  It seems like we were waiting and waiting for her to come just yesterday, and now she's been with us for a year.  I love to see babies eating cake.  

The Reading Mother

I came across an old poem today that I really like.  I hope that you guys like it too.

The Reading Mother

Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954)

I had a mother who read to me


Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.

Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;

"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read me plays


Of ancient and gallant and golden days;

Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,


Which every boy has a right to know.


I had a Mother who read me tales


Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,

True to his trust till his tragic death,

Faithfulness lent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things

That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-

Stories that stir with an upward touch.

Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be --


I had a Mother who read to me.
 

 

Book Review of The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth By Ken Follett 973 pages. New American Library, 2007. $14.19

I just finished reading The Pillars of the Earth.  I highly recommend it.  I had planned on reading it over Christmas break and had gotten a copy from the library.  I then discovered to my horror, that Oprah had recommended it.  Somehow, that just taints a book for me.  I tend to avoid Oprah books.  Anyway, my husband got me my own copy for Christmas, not realizing that I had started to read it.  It took me longer to read it than I thought, so I was glad to have my own copy for that reason.
 I am now very happy to have my own copy for another reason.  I know that I will probably read it again and I will be loaning it out.  It is absolutely fantastic.  Now, if you're of the conservative crowd, I must warn you that it is NOT "G" rated.  There are very graphic scenes filled with sex and violence.  This, however, is not like The Kite Runner where you wish you could erase from your mind what you just read.  (As a side note, just don't read The Kite Runner.  Please.)
 I have heard that the sequel to this book is as good as this one, so I will be reading that soon.  Don't let the length of this book intimidate you.  It's worth the effort!!  If you are interested in all sorts of information on this book, you can go to Oprah.com.  Also, Ken Follett will be on Oprah on January 30th.  I'll be watching.

Macky's Christmas Music

Macky learned several Christmas songs this month.  He got to play some for us with his piano teacher.  I thought you all might like to see and hear his progress... 

Book Review of The Poison Apples

The Poison Apples By Lily Archer 288 pages. Feiwel & Friends, c2007. $12.71

I got this book for my cousin for her 16th birthday.  I decided I had better read it before she did - just in case.

It's about three girls who come together in boarding school.  On the surface they seem to have very little in common.  They realize, however, that they all have "evil" stepmothers.  They form a group and plot their revenge.

Overall, I liked the book.  I think it sends a positive message to teenagers - you are not your parents and you are not predestined to suffer their fate.  The characters and the story start out very strong.  It really peters out at the end.  It's like the author ran out of time and had to hurry up and finish.The ideal reader will be a teenage girl, especially one with divorced parents.  Oh, and don't be surprised to see a sequel...

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.