Giggling in Church

Years ago, Utah Dad and I drove from our home in New Hampshire to Boston to meet his brother and sister-in-law. They were staying in an old hotel in Boston that just happened to be hosting a Sci-Fi/Fantasy conference at the same time. The slow, creaky elevator from their room on the top floor stopped on each floor of the crowded hotel. Each time the elevator doors opened, we would see another character waiting to get on--the elfin princesses, aliens and various other creatures (not being a sci-fi fan, I can't accurately identify them). I stood in the back of the elevator trying hard to control the laughter that threatened to burst out. I literally shook next to Utah Dad, who pinched me. Finally, I just couldn't stop and I started to snicker. Utah Dad shot me his embarrassed, horrified look and I simply dissolved into shaking, uncontrollable giggles.

One of the women saw me trying to hide behind Utah Dad. "You're not here for the conference, are you?" she asked. I couldn't even respond between laughs and was so grateful when the doors of the elevator  finally opened to the lobby and offered me escape.

It was Fast and Testimony Meeting. I had enjoyed listening to the former NFL football player singing behind me during the hymns. I was also keenly aware of my own hunger and the pleasantly appetizing scent of the mango scented lotion that my in-laws had brought back for me after their recent trip to Hawaii. Behind me, I heard the sound of the football player's stomach growl. Instantly the thought popped into my head : "I hope he doesn't eat me." It struck me so funny that I started to giggle. I bit my tongue and pinched my arm but my shoulders shook. Utah Dad and the kids were staring at me in confusion which only made me shake harder and the tears flowed freely down my face. I finally had to get up and walk out of the chapel so I could compose myself in the hall.

Does anyone else know this feeling? Knowing that it is inappropriate to laugh and unable to stop it?

Yesterday during Sunday School, we were in the middle of a great discussion on Alma 5. Utah Dad is the teacher so I'm biased, but I thought the lesson was going well. Obviously, he hadn't captured everyone's attention because the man sitting on the row behind me leaned forward to talk to another lady. He was talking loud enough that I could hear most of what he was saying.

He pointed at the Relief Society poster on the wall.

"Why the double negative?" He asked and then continued. "Why say 'Charity Never Faileth'? Why not say 'Charity Always Prevaileth'?"

I tried to keep my attention tuned to Utah Dad and his lesson on having the image of Christ "engraved" upon our souls. He and the class were getting deep.

But the man to my left continued. "I just don't understand why the Relief Society theme is negative. It's like we have an entire Relief Society of martyrs. 'Oh, all I am is a taxi driver'." He mocked. (Not even that funny, in retrospect.)

And I lost it. I tried to focus on Utah Dad who watched me in horror as I tried desperately to control the giggles. My body shook. My eyes watered and the tears coursed in messy paths down my cheeks. The lady that he had originally been talking to laughed as well and the woman beside me laughed too (whether at me or at the guy, it was difficult to determine).

Utah Dad stopped his lesson and turned to us as the entire classroom (thankfully it had been raided to fill Primary substitute assignments and was sparsely filled) turned the attention to me. Every time I looked at him, I only laughed harder. It was a few minutes before I could gain composure and the lesson continued.

Poor Utah Dad taught the rest of the lesson thinking he had a booger.

Family Pictures

Not the very most successful experience but better than nothing.

I didn't turn into a raving lunatic but I didn't win the "Nicest Mother in the World" award either.

Neal reminded me 18 million times that I should have waited until next month when his braces come off.

Having one kid in kindergarten this year and one kid going to kindergarten next year means that I get lots of "kindergarten camera smiles". 

Or no smiles.

A three year old girl has strong opinions.

At least we now have a family picture that includes Lilly and Molly.

Afterwards - Book Review

Grace, a devoted mother of two, narrates Afterwards, a compulsively readable thriller from the Rosamund Lupton of Sister fame. Grace is in a coma resulting from her heroic efforts to rescue her children from the burning school. In her current out-of-body state, Grace will become obsessed with finding out who is to blame for setting the fire that has devastated her happy family.

The point-of-view in this novel is very unique. Grace is nearly omnipresent and can overhear conversations that in life she wouldn't be privy too. This makes her an interesting investigator because while she is at that advantage, she can't let the others know the things she has learned. Grace is telling the story to her husband and  while the novel is a crime thriller it is also a love story. I was surprised just how well the style worked for this novel.

Sister is still waiting on my to-read shelf but I after hearing so much praise, I was excited to be able to read Afterwards. Once I started I really couldn't put it down, much to Utah Dad's chagrin. It's been awhile since I've read a thriller so completely captivating. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. Grace is a likable narrator--emotional yet witty; tender and insightful.

While I appreciated Grace's thoughts on love for her family and her willingness to admit that she has wrongfully judged plenty of people during her life, she does repeat herself quite often and at times it become redundant. There is some swearing in the book that might be offensive to some readers. The swearing doesn't really fit the character's style and because of that it draws attention to it. In fact, the characters themselves talk about swearing which makes it pretty hard to miss but does fit with the story line.

Overall, Afterwards is the kind of crime-novel thriller that I especially enjoy. It isn't overly graphic or gory and has lighter moments. With a near-perfect pace, it keeps the reader engrossed in the mystery and also becomes a testament to the eternal love of one's family.

**I received a complimentary copy of Afterwards in exchange for this honest review. No other compensation was received.**

A Town Like Alice - Book Review

Jean Paget is a young English woman working in Malaya when the Japanese invade during World War II. Forced with other women and children prisoners to march for months, Jean Paget develops inner strength and the ability to lead. In A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute the story of Jean Paget will follow her home to England and then on to the outback of Australia.

With spare prose, Nevil Shute is a fabulous story teller. He keeps nicely to the action and the development of his courageous and admirable yet human characters and doesn't get mired in the meticulous details of the landscape. I was completely enamored with Jean and her tale of survival, strength and love and devoured this novel.

I was a bit disappointed by the brevity of the ending, however. The development of Willstown takes center stage over the human characters. After so much passionate build up between the characters, it feel flat by the conclusion.

In spite of this complaint, I thoroughly loved A Town Like Alice and would highly recommend it.

To The Rescue : The Biography of Thomas S. Monson - Book Review

Utah Dad and I recently finished reading To The Rescue : The Biography of Thomas S. Monson by Heidi Swinton. We've spent the last few months reading a chapter together at least once a week. It is always entertaining to read the stories of the charismatic and fun-loving President Monson (president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Many of the stories were ones we had heard before in his talks and I was frequently reminded of his personal speaking style. He has always been the quintessential story teller.

We were most enthralled with the stories of his childhood and also the chapters that go into depth about the growth of the church in East Germany throughout the decades before the fall of the wall. President Monson's role in that growth is inspiring. It is clear to see that he is an instrument in the hands of God.

Many of the stories of President Monson's call to follow inspiration and touch the individual person moved me to tears. He is truly an inspired man and my testimony of him as a prophet of God grew as we read more about his amazing life.

Utah Dad and I have joked over the years that President Monson is the "angel of death". If he suddenly shows up to visit you, watch out, your time is limited. So many of his stories involve following the spirit to the bedside of a dying friend or stranger and then of speaking at funerals. But what a touching, tender mercy of the Lord to send his servant to comfort many of those in their final hours. Really, President Monson is so close to the spirit that he knows just where he is most needed.

Heidi Swinton is a good story teller in her own right and has written a very approachable, readable book. This book is not a scholarly explanation. There are questions left unanswered (such as why his father was not active in the church) and it does not go deep into the emotions and feelings of President Monson. What it does do is include many of President Monson's stories in one volume and give a lovely over view of his history. It is also encouraging and motivating. President Monson exemplifies a Christ-like life. He cares about people. He is in tune with the spirit and follows it so that he can touch people just when they need it most.

Terry Top Give-away Winner

The winner of the Terry Top give-away is . . . 1955nurse Congratulations! Please email me your contact information soon.

The Secrets of Mary Bowser - Book Review

Mary Bowser grows up as a house slave for the wealthy Van Lew family in Richmond, Virginia. Bet Van Lew, the fiery, headstrong daughter, recognizes Mary's great intelligence so Bet sends Mary to Philadelphia for a proper education.

Mary Bowser, free and educated, risks everything to return to Richmond and her family just as the country is heating up to war. Posing as a slave in the Confederate White House, Mary Bowser spies on Jefferson Davis and his cabinet, passing details to the Union.

Based on a true story of the incredible bravery of Mary Bowser, Bet Van Lew and others that worked the Underground Railroad and later as spies during the Civil War, Lois Leveen takes the few known facts and reworks them as the marvelously enjoyable The Secrets of Mary Bowser.

Rich with details of life in Richmond and Philadelphia and a lively dialogue on the very diverse feelings regarding slavery and black people by whites, blacks, slave-owners, abolitionists, free and enslaved, The Secrets of Mary Bowser brings this era to life. Mary Bowser and Bet Van Lew are dynamic characters that demonstrate bravery and determination in the face of horror and sorrow.

The novel is a little lengthy and does drag on a bit during Mary's years in Philadelphia but the paces picks up after Mary moves back to Richmond. While Leveen probably gives a little too much credit to Mary for some things--such as purposely prolonging the war and forcing Lincoln into the Emancipation Proclamation--The Secrets of Mary Bowser tell a marvelously inspiring story of an admirable heroine.

The Secrets of Mary Bowser will be released next week.

**I received a complimentary copy of The Secrets of Mary Bowser in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation was received.**

Terry Top Review and Give-away

Until last month, my get-ready routine (I almost referred to it as my "morning routine" but let's be honest, I don't always get a shower in the morning) involved drying off with a giant fluffy towel and then wrapping my hair in it. The towel on my head was bulky, cumbersome and I had to redo the wrap at least once while I applied my make-up. 

I have been "testing" out the Terry Top for a month now and I love it! Instead of wrapping my hair up in a big towel after my shower and dealing with the slippage and the neck pain, I can quickly pull on the Terry Top. It keeps my wet hair out of my face comfortably and easily while I apply make-up.

The Terry Top is so simple and so handy, I can hardly believe that I haven't already had one for years. Seriously ingenious! It's so lightweight, I hardly remember it's there. The Terry Top stays firmly and comfortably on my head and keeps my wet hair out of my face even when I have to bend over.

The Terry Top is easy to care for too. Just throw it in the wash with a batch of towels. The price is fairly reasonable, which of course, is always important.

And I love the bright colors. My Terry Top makes me happy!

Lucky readers, Terry Top has also graciously offered to give-away one Terry Top to a winning reader selected at random.

All you have to do is go to the Terry Top website : http://terrytop.com/ pick out the color Terry Top you would want if you were to win the contest.

Come back to this post and leave me a comment with your color selection. Voila! You are entered to win the fabulous, innovative Terry Top.

This contest is open to entries until Friday, May 11th at 11:59 pm MST. The winner, chosen randomly, will be announced on Saturday, May 12th.

Kick-off Summer at the Grand Opening of Utah Valley Convention Center

The mild winter and peaking temperatures means summer is kick-starting a little earlier this year; so come celebrate with us and plan the rest of your summer out during the biggest free party in Utah Valley, the grand opening of the Utah Valley Convention Center happening on May 12, 10am to 4pm.

Enjoy a free day full of entertainment, food, and giveaways with the entire family. Find out what’s happening in the valley this summer at the business expo featuring local businesses and hot spots, including Sundance Resort and John Hutchins Museum.  Don’t worry; there will be plenty of FREE giveaways from the vendors!

Additionally, local award-winning groups will be performing and answering all your questions about summer camps, programs, and lessons that are filling up fast! Beat the rush before school’s out, and get your kids involved. Companies attending include:
o The Pointe Academy
o Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company
o Champions Karate West
o Shelly School of Irish Dance
o Beyond Sports Taekwondo
o On Broadway Music Theatre
o Viva el Folklore

Throughout the day the Utah County bomb squad, K-9 unit, and fire department will be demonstrating their skills.  A free kid’s craft corner for the little ones and an art exhibit is also set.

The party will continue the entire day with entertainment provided by a variety of local favorites that include:
o Dave Stemmons
o SYT Music Theatre Solos
o Cindy Simmons
o Brandie Frampton
o Timpview Ballroom
o Maddie Wilson
o And more!

There is something for everyone at the grand opening of the Utah Valley Convention Center.  Mark your calendars and get ready to kick-start your summer! For more information visit http://www.utahvalleyconventioncenter.com/

Katherine Nelson New Release "Beautiful"

Katherine Nelson has released a new single : Beautiful. Her song, about how women and girls are naturally beautiful without the modern day pressures from media, is inspiring. Be sure to check it out and download it free from Katherine's website : http://katherinenelson.com/

Perla : Book Review

Perla by Carolina De Robertis is why I read books. Mesmerizing, poetic, enthralling, emotionally consuming, and heart breaking, Perla touched my heart, opened my mind and then reminded me of the power of hope and redemption.

Perla is a young woman in Argentina, born during the "Dirty War" in the late 1970's and early 1980's. 30,000 civilians disappeared at the hands of the military regime. Perla's father is just one of the Navy officers granted immunity for the terrible crimes against humanity. Perla, shunned by classmates as a girl, alternately loves and hates her parents for their involvement. Now, a stranger will help her grow and become who she is meant to be.

I was ashamed to just learn about this time in history. It took place during my own lifetime, yet I had never heard of the atrocities and horrors committed against those who dared speak out against the coup. I mentioned it to Utah Dad. I shouldn't have been surprised that he knew much about it. He did study history, after all.

De Robertis is a poet. In haunting, yet beautiful language, she reveals a period of recent history that is shocking, horrifying and heart breaking. The novel is, at times, graphic but always true to the painful conflict and ultimate healing of Perla.


**I received a complimentary copy of Perla in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation was received.**

Spring Break Miracle

We have been looking forward to our trip to Southern California for Spring Break for awhile. The kids were excited and we were very excited. In the days before we were to depart, I did laundry and prepared the house. We bought Dramamine, sunscreen, flip flops and Capri's. We were ready for the fun and the sun we assumed we would have in California.

On the Thursday before we left, Molly had a little friend over to play. Susie is an adorable little girl and the girls played nicely and I was able to get the last few things ready.

Thursday night, I heard that Susie was very sick. She was throwing up and miserable. I felt so bad for the little thing and then I started to worry. We were leaving on our trip on Saturday. I worried that Molly would get sick and spread the dreaded stomach bug to the rest of us. I worried that we wouldn't be able to go on our trip at all. Or worse -- we would leave and get sick in the car or at my sister-in-law's house, spreading the bug to innocent victims.

I didn't even dare mention it to Utah Dad. He has hypochondriac tendencies, after all. I prayed all day Friday that we would be spared the illness. By Saturday, no one was sick and we were busy. I forgot all about poor Susie as we packed up the car and headed south.

In fact, Susie didn't cross my mind at all while we were in California. No one got sick (Lilly and Molly already had a bit of a cold--they got rid of the rest of their snot at the beach on Monday and were better the rest of the trip) and we had a marvelous time. The kids have been after me to blog more about our trip, so I'll be sharing more this week.

I didn't think about Susie and her bug until we returned home the next week. And then I realized just how blessed we had been to be spared the sickness. Susie vomited for five days. Her brother and sister had both gotten sick too. Several other families in our neighborhood had also suffered over Spring Break from this horrible stomach bug that lasted, in each case, five days.

I felt so bad for the families who had been so miserable during their break from school but I was also infinitely grateful for this small (maybe not so small) miracle that had blessed my family. After learning just how sick others had been, I came home and shared our miracle with Utah Dad and my children. As a family, we gave thanks to our loving Heavenly Father, who smiled his great mercy upon us and allowed us to have a wonderful vacation together.

Day Out With Thomas Contest

Calling all train lovers!!! You will not want to miss this exciting event hosted by Heber Valley Railroad. 

Day Out With Thomas offers an opportunity for children and their families to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine™ and to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, the Controller of the Railway. The event will be this Memorial Day weekend, May 25-28. We are running a contest on the Heber Valley Railroad Facebook page May 1-14 to find the biggest Thomas the Tank Engine fan to be named the honorary conductor. This honorary conductor will be selected from video submissions on the Facebook page (an example of a video submission will be posted). The honorary conductor will be the first on board and will get to pull the train horn and say, “All aboard!”
Details for honorary conductor contest:
·         May 1-14, post a video on Heber Valley Railroad’s Facebook page of your little conductor and why he or she is the biggest Thomas fan

·         Get others to “like” your video submission

·         One winner will be selected each week for a family four-pack of tickets to Day Out With Thomas

·         One winner will be selected on May 15 to be named the honorary conductor and win a family four-pack of tickets to Day Out With Thomas.

Here is some more information regarding Day Out With Thomas :


Day Out With Thomas
Day Out With Thomas™ offers an opportunity for children and their families to take a 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine™ and to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, the Controller of the Railway. Every event has a Thomas & Friends Imagination Station with Thomas-themed activities, including stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts and crafts, and a Thomas storytelling and video viewing area.
Activities Include:
Giant hay bale maze
Miniature golf course (putt-putt)
Balloon tying clown
Musical entertainment by “The Pied Piper of Percussion”
Motor-car rides
Magic shows
“Imagination Station” play area
Temporary tattoos
Storytelling and video
Bubbles and sidewalk chalk
Times:
Friday and Saturday
Event Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Train Departures: 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Train departs from the Depot every 45 minutes.)
Sunday and Monday
Event Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Train Departures: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Train departs from the Depot every 45 minutes.)
Length of Train Ride: 25 minutes round trip
Ticket Price: $18 per person (All seats are General Admission. Ages 2+ require a ticket.)
To Purchase Tickets: Tickets are available through www.TicketWeb.com.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit http://hebervalleyrr.org/excursions/day-out-with-thomas/






** In exchange for posting this information, I received a family 4-pack to attend Day Out With Thomas. No additional compensation was received. **

The Solitary House - Book Review

Styled after Dickens and other writers from that period, Lynn Shepherd's newest murder mystery The Solitary House is creepy, dark and intoxicating. While literary lovers may recognize some characters and themes from Victorian-era classics, it has been a long while since I've read Dickens. Therefore, my review will be based only on the stand-alone literary success of The Solitary House.

Young Charles Maddox is a private detective who received training from his uncle, one of the greats. Recently, removed from the police force, Maddox has just one case when he is contacted by the famous and powerful attorney Tulkinghorn and hired to investigate some threatening letters received by a client. The investigation soon proves complicated and deadly as Maddox's contacts are viciously murdered. Violently warned against further inquiry, Maddox will risk his own life to uncover the crimes and the truth.

The Solitary House is just what you want from a mystery. Filled with ominous characters and atrocious crimes, the seedy underbelly of Dicken's London is revived in Shepherd's newest novel. Charles Maddox is a likable and sympathetic protagonist, just flawed enough to be believable. Those he seeks are perfectly depraved and the secret they attempt to conceal is horrifying. Well paced, the plot is thrilling and frightening and just what one wants from a murder mystery.

** I received a complimentary copy of The Solitary House in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received. **

Birds

First it was the owls earlier this winter. Their hoots woke us many mornings as the parent Great Horned Owls taught their offspring how to fly and hunt from the roof of my house and our neighbors' houses.

Then a month ago we started hearing the strangled and angry cry of what we initially believed to be a bird (though what kind of bird, we had no idea) each evening around 10 pm. We have still been unable to identify it and we even wondered if it wasn't some very disturbed dog. We're still working to track down the culprit.

We forgot to set the alarm. Fortunately, yesterday morning we were awoken by the caws of the local gang of crows that have taken over the neighborhood. They got us up in time for church and for that we are grateful. However, I am a bit disturbed each evening as they dive bomb my house and are constant with their screeching caws.

But the ultimate in recent bird attacks. While at Disneyland for Spring Break, I was hit in the head by not one but two different birds on two separate occasions. Actually the birds ran right into my head!

I can only say that I feel much like Elaine. The birds ran into my giant head.

The Winners of the William Joseph CDs

Two winners will each receive a copy of William Joseph's newest CD : Be Still. And they are . . .

Julie

and

jadavis

Congratulations! Please contact me as soon as possible with your information so that you can start listening to this beautiful music very soon.

March Madness - Family Style

Frankly, I could care less about March Madness NCAA Men's Basketball. BYU is the only team that I follow and I rarely even watch their games. But for the past few years my extended family has filled out brackets before the tournament and we have a friendly game. Because Neal got so into following the games and our brackets a few years ago, my dad decided to let him play.

This was Neal's second year filling out his bracket. Neal has the tendency to be obsessive and he was definitely obsessive about this tournament. I filled out my bracket, picking mostly the top seeded teams to win (I mean, really, what do I know?). I filled out the bracket before BYU beat Iona and I had the winner of that game losing in the first round. After BYU beat Iona, I briefly considered modifying my bracket out of loyalty to my Alma mater but decided against it. Neal, however, is a much more loyal fan. He had BYU going much farther.

For most of the game play, I was nicely in the lead. I had the most wins and was alone in first place. But by the time we got to the Final Four, Neal started telling me that it was now "impossible for me to win." I only had Kentucky left and while I had picked Kentucky to win even this would not give me enough points to beat either Neal or my brother Nate. I was really starting to get tired of Neal reminding me at every possible moment that it was indeed "impossible for me to win." Annoying!

Saturday night was the Ohio State vs. Kansas game. Neal had picked Kansas to go to the finals with Kentucky. Nate had picked Ohio to go to the finals with Kentucky. For a moment I was confused who I should cheer for. Who would be less obnoxious to lose to? After all, Nate and I have had a long running, friendly rivalry (he cheers for Utah). On the other hand, I had to live with Neal and he was getting increasingly annoying. I decided it would be much nicer for me if Ohio won (I really couldn't believe that the day had come that I was looking forward to losing to my brother). Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Neal, having picked both teams in the final and Kentucky for the win, has secured bragging rights and the win.

Heaven help me! Until next year . . .

William Joseph CD Give-away

Last Wednesday night I was privileged to be invited to a small private house concert with William Joseph - the piano playing composer recently discovered by David Foster. I decided to take Neal with me. Neal is taking a little "break" from piano lessons and I hoped that he might be inspired. How ironic that Neal's piano teacher won tickets to the concert. She is a huge fan of William Joseph.

William Joseph was definitely inspiring. Personable, funny and definitely cool, William Joseph shattered Neal's perception that playing the piano isn't "cool".

Besides being cool and extremely good looking, William Joseph creates amazing music. I was in awe of the incredible talent in the house. Together with Aaron Ashton, on the violin, William Joseph moved me to tears, rocked the house, and inspired patriotism and devotion with his music. Watch video clips from some of William Joseph's performances here, here and here.

I must also give a shout-out to the hosts for the evening. The Dyers were gracious and thoughtful as they offered their beautiful home for the concert. And not only that, we got to hear a performance from their very talented daughters - Tian and Mady, part of the amazing country band Dyer Highway (brother Tel is in the MTC preparing to serve an LDS mission. He was part of the Missionary Choir that sang during the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference this past weekend). Dyer Highway is a young and upcoming country band. I got to hear them for the first time last summer when they opened for The Nashville Tribute Band. These siblings are awesome! Watch their video here.

Anyway, I also have the privilege to give away two copies of William Joseph's newest CD - Be Still. Be Still is a collection of arrangements of sacred hymns. Inspiring and spiritual, Be Still invokes a calmness and peace that is so appreciated in the chaos of our days.

To enter to win one CD of Be Still by William Joseph :

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Share this give-away with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter for extra chances to win. Leave additional comments on this post.
3. Be a follower of Utah Mom's Life Blog.

The give-away will be open to entries until Friday, April 6th at 11:59 pm MST. The two winners will be chosen randomly from the comments and announced on the morning of Saturday, April 7th.

I Am Forbidden - Book Review

Josef is a young boy when he survives the massacre of his family in Transylvania during World War II. Hidden and raised by a non-Jewish woman for several years, Josef is eventually discovered by other Jews and sent to live with the Rebbe in New York City. Mila, a young Jewish girl is orphaned when her parents are brutally killed. She is taken in by another Jewish family and raised in Paris.

Thus begins I Am Forbidden by Anouk Markovits.

Eventually, Josef and Mila, Satmar Jews, will marry and entwine their lives together in New York. Their peace and security in this insular Hasidic sect is threatened by a secret they will keep for generations.

Markovits writing is abstract and illusive and at the beginning of the novel, my background with the history of Transylvania and Hungary during World War II was not significant enough for me to fully grasp what was happening. I did a little research on my own and found that it helped in the understanding of the novel.

It was not long into the novel before I was completely entranced by the story and characters. I couldn't put the novel down and I was literally weeping for Mila and her struggles with infertility, her desperate act and the ultimate consequences.

I Am Forbidden is a heart breaking novel that follows generations through pain, death, love and joy. While the novel opens a window on this intriguing and secluded group of people, the novel is ultimately about human desire which is, of course, universal.


** I received a free copy of I Am Forbidden in exchange for my honest review. No additional compensation was received. 

The One and Only Ivan - Book Review

I've been reading The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate to my boys this last month or so. It's a clever and fast-paced novel about Ivan, a silver back gorilla that has spent most of his life in captivity. He lives in a small cage in a circus-themed mall with an aging elephant and a stray dog to keep him company. When the mall acquires a sensitive and curious baby elephant named Ruby, Ivan comes up with a plan to improve Ruby's life.

Neal is not a fan of books that feature animals. He made me stop reading Jungle Book because it regularly refers to the various jungle animals as "people". I told him to chill out. It's Kipling, after all. Neal informed me that he would listen to The One and Only Ivan until it called animals "people". He stayed to listen until page 233.

Thomas and I, however, enjoyed the entire book. Ivan is a likable and sympathetic character. It tugs at your heart-strings without making all humans the enemy. It is occasionally witty and clever and the writing style is very readable. In fact, I would heartily suggest reading this one aloud to younger elementary-aged children.

**I received a free copy of The One and Only Ivan in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation was received.**

Moloka'i - Book Review

Rachel is a happy seven year old living in Honolulu when she is diagnosed with leprosy (now known as Hansen's Disease) and sentenced to live the rest of her life in Kalaupapa, the leper colony on the island of Moloka'i. The historical novel Moloka'i, while spanning the years from the 1890's to 1970's, brings dignity and compassion to those who were quarantined to the island and separated from their families.

Moloka'i is an enchanting novel by Alan Brennert. It is the story of Rachel and her life on Moloka'i but ultimately it is a story of hope and faith. It is a heart wrenching story but the people on the island also experience laughter, love and joy.

The character development is well done. I especially appreciated the attention paid to Sister Catherine, a nun serving the people of Kalaupapa. The nuns are not the stock characters that inhabit most media, but thoughtful, tormented and realistic people with desires and dreams. The setting of the beautiful islands of Hawaii is described by one who loves it. Hawaii and its people are alive in this beautiful, stunning novel.

Because I became completely absorbed with the novel I was talking about it all the time with Utah Dad. He was reminded of a video clip that he had seen recently about a woman searching for information about her grandmother who had lived in Kalaupapa. He found it for me and I was touched by the tender and heart breaking emotions in the segment.

There is a longer, more in depth video about the Kalaupapa, Moloka'i that recently aired on BYUTV.

Winner of the Spring Cleaning Book Give-away

Wow! There are a lot of book hoarders/collectors/lovers out there. It's nice to know I'm in such good company.

Last summer during some bad weather, the kids and I created a data base inventory of the books in the house (with the exception of one shelf of children's books--the weather improved before we finished). This totally satisfies that hidden librarian inside me. I can now sort by genre, author, title and several other categories.

We have at least 1920 + books in our house.

Children's Books : 641 +
Fiction (including adolescent, YA and the classics) : 618
Memoirs/Biographies : 56
History : 120
Politics : 27
Religion : 156
Science : 23
Writing : 14
Geography/Travel : 63
Reference : 60 (yes, we still have a set of encyclopedias)
Other (cooking, music, philosophy, photography, etc . . .) : 141

But you don't really want to know that. So, on to the good part . . . the announcement of the winner of a box of my books. The winner is . . .

nette

Congratulations! Please send me an email with your information so that you can receive your new books!

Spring Cleaning Book Give-away

You already know I'm a "book hoarder". I like to find pre-read books at thrift stores and at library sales and online. Relatives and friends often give me books that they think I will like. And I often receive books from publishers to review. My book shelves are full! Utah Dad and I have plans to build more, but in the mean time it is essential that I give some away (can you believe it?).

To participate in the Spring Cleaning Give-away Hop, I have gone through my shelves and put together a box of books. One lucky winner will receive this box of literary goodies.

Rules :

1. Enter by leaving one comment on this post. Just for fun--share an estimate of how many books you have in your home. (This number will not be used to determine the winner. It's just for fun.)

2. The contest will be open to entries until Sunday, March 25th at 11:59 pm MST.

3. This contest is open to residents of the US only.

4. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Monday, March 26th.

5. Be sure to check out all the other blogs participating in the hop. This is your chance to win a lot of books!

Elegy for Eddie - Book Review

Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear is the latest installment in the Maisie Dobbs mystery series. I read Maisie Dobbs, the first one, earlier this year but have not read the other seven novels between. You can read my review of Maisie Dobbs *here*.

Elegy for Eddie is Maisie's quest to discover whether or not a childhood acquaintance, Eddie--a gentle horse trainer, was murdered. Police have written Eddie's death at a paper factory as an unfortunate accident. Maisie isn't so sure and once she begins investigating it becomes painfully obvious that there are more powerful people involved in Eddie's death.

Jacqueline Winspear writes an exciting and fun mystery that flows along at a pace appropriate for the historical period. In Elegy for Eddie, things are not so black and white and Maisie's own sense of right and wrong is questioned. Set in London during the 1930's, Maisie must accept that there are others, more powerful, with a greater understanding of the imminent danger and that national security must be protected.

The novel is well written and while it would probably help to have read all of the Maisie Dobbs novels in the series (I did appreciate the background I had of Maisie's past because of my reading of the first novel), Elegy for Eddie can stand alone.

My only real complaint with the novel is Maisie Dobbs herself. I appreciate her education and her brilliance at solving crimes, but I am not yet reconciled with her personality. I can't quite put my finger on just what bugs me about her--perhaps it's the same personality traits/flaws that are frequently pointed out to her by other characters in Elegy for Eddie. 

With the Maisie Dobbs series, Jacqueline Winspear offers readers a woman detective this historical period between the World Wars. Winspear expertly captures the emotion of the period and the people still healing from the first war and yet preparing (perhaps unknowingly) for the next. Elegy for Eddie is compelling and haunting.

**I received a complimentary copy of Elegy for Eddie in exchange for my honest review. **

My Baby Turns 3!!!

Molly shares her birthday with her very favorite baby sitter Jessica (she loves Jessica's sisters too). When Jessica comes to baby sit she brings boxes of Polly Pockets and Littlest Pet Shops. Last week when Jessica baby sat Molly they planned their birthday party.

After dinner, Molly and Jessica blew out candles on the cake made by Kathryn, Jessica's sister. It was such a darling cake and yummy too.

I can hardly believe that my baby is already three years old. She growing up much too fast but she's so much fun. We're constantly amused by her busy and fun personality.

Happy birthday to my Molly!

The Beginner's Goodbye - Book Review

I appreciate good food, especially when someone else is cooking. I love to savor the rich, subtle flavors in French cuisine and the taste bud thrilling bursts of spice and sweetness from Thai food. I enjoy the mysteriousness of tastes from other countries, but sometimes (especially if I'm cooking) I just want good old comfort food--cottage cheese and sliced tomatoes; stroganoff, goulash and butternut squash soup--warm and heavy and soothing.

It's the same with books. I love a good thriller or a mystery or history. I enjoy reading books about other cultures and peoples. I like the cerebral novel that makes me think. But sometimes I really just want good old comfort books. For this I regularly turn to Anne Tyler.

Anne Tyler's novels have a calming effect on me. Every word is soothing and compulsively readable. She writes stories about normal people, dealing with normal life events and provides amazing insights into their souls and very nature. Even in The Beginner's Goodbye, a ghost story, Tyler's story isn't melodramatic or ostentatious--She writes simply of a husband dealing with the grief and healing after the death of his wife, though his wife assists him and helps him realize that there is life after death. He can still have a life after her death.

When Utah Dad and I were first married we used to play a game when we were driving in town. When we saw someone, maybe a student crossing the street toward school or a young father holding hands with his son, we would make up a story about them. It seems that Anne Tyler does this very thing. Her characters could come right out of the grocery store or farmer's market, as the case may be. They are so real, so believable, so honest, so fallible and often so inspiring.

The Beginner's Goodbye is Anne Tyler's newest novel. It will be published in April of this year. Fans of Anne Tyler will be pleased. And those who have never wrapped up in a warm blanket, savored a cup of hot cocoa and enjoyed one of Anne Tyler's novel should experience the pleasure that is The Beginner's Goodbye.

** I received a complimentary copy of The Beginner's Goodbye in exchange for my honest opinion. **

Love, Fiercely - Book Review

I was excited to read Love, Fiercely : A Gilded Age Romance by Jean Zimmerman for several reasons. First, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is one of my favorite books. I was entertained by the novel The American Heiress, to which Love, Fiercely is compared. I've long been simultaneously fascinated and repulsed by the excess of this era at the end of the nineteenth century. I enjoy narrative histories and biographies, so needless to say I looked forward to reading this book.

Love, Fiercely is the history of Newton Stokes and Edith Minturn, both born into extreme wealth in New York City. Eventually they would marry, travel the world, influence art and society, and play their hand at philanthropy.

Full of information and details about everything in the era, Love, Fiercely excels as a history of the excess of the very wealthy and privileged class. Each home and summer "cottage" is described in detail, including having a Tudor manor house built in 1597 in England dismantled and shipped across the ocean and rebuilt in Connecticut. The author gives full histories of the art of the time period and especially the portraits of Edith and the famous statue for which she posed. Their service to society and Newton's career are discussed at great length.

What Love, Fiercely is lacking is the feeling of passion between Edith and Newton. Described as "the greatest love story never told" in the prologue I was anxious to read of their romance. However, the characters still remain flat and lifeless. The author shows only brief glimpses into their relationship and spends most of the time with describing the world they inhabit.

There were many interesting details about the era but ultimately, I found the book dull and disappointing.

** I received a complimentary copy of Love, Fiercely in exchange for an honest review. **

The Winner of the Peeps Eyewear Give-away

The winner of the princess dress-up set from Peeps Eyewear is . . .

latanya

Congratulations! Please send me an email with your information so you can receive your prize.

Peeps Eyewear - Review and Give-away!

When I was contacted about doing a review and give-away for Peeps Eyewear, I explained that none of my children wear glasses yet--with my genes it's only a matter of time. They decided to let us try out their product anyway.

Last week a lovely pink box arrived in the mail. Inside was a little girl's treasure--a pink silky cape; a pink crown, a book about a princess and finally a silky pink case with a pair of sparkly pink glasses. Lilly and Molly were beyond thrilled. Let's just say they had a little battle over who would be the first ones to try on the costume. When it was Molly's turn, she kept saying "I'm beautiful. I'm beautiful." Lilly loves the glasses so much that she insists on wearing them all the time.

For my girls it's just dress-up but many little girls need to wear glasses. Peeps Eyewear is a company that helps little girls feel beautiful even with glasses, reminding them with a dress-up outfit, a sweet book and sparkly pink glasses that even princesses wear glasses (we can get into a discussion about princesses and marketing to little girls later--my little girls have regular Legos, by the way).

All I know is that my little girls felt special. They loved the glasses and accompanying costume. If Lilly had to wear glasses, it certainly wouldn't be a problem to get her to wear the Peeps Eyewear glasses.

Peeps Eyewear are available online or from several eye doctors. In Utah, Peeps Eyewear can be purchased from Standard Optical in Salt Lake City.

Peeps Eyewear is also offering one cape and crown set as a give-away to one lucky reader of Utah Mom's Life. It's a fun set that would add to the magic of the little girl's dress-up box.

To enter leave a comment on this post. The contest will be open to entries until Friday, March 2nd at 11:59 MST. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Saturday, March 3rd. Good luck.

Cutting for Stone - Book Review

A year ago my niece Anna recommended strongly that I read Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. I ordered it immediately because I almost always likes the books she suggests. I was talking to her again a few weeks ago and she asked if I had ever gotten around to reading the book. I hadn't. It had sat on one of my to-read shelves taunting me this entire time. "Read it next," Anna demanded. And so I did.

Do you know the feeling of spending a significant portion of time reading a rather long novel and when you reach the conclusion you are actually sad to say goodbye to the complex and interesting characters that inhabit the story? I experience this phenomonon with the occasional book. This is exactly how I felt about Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.

Set in the exotic and unusual locale of Ethiopia, Cutting for Stone tells the story of Marion and Shiva Stone--twin brothers. Their mother, a nun, dies during childbirth and their father, a surgeon, flees abandoning them to the other doctors and staff of the Missing Hospital in Ethiopia.

As the boys learn and grow and develop their own talents in medicine, the novel builds on their relationship and what it means to be family and what it means to be an individual. The characters are at once real, sympathetic and admirable.

I'm coming late to the table with this novel and I can only echo the sentiments shared by many others. This book is fabulous, intelligent, thrilling and riveting. It is a rare gem of literary genius.

No One Is Here Except All Of Us - Book Review

Magical. Lyrical. Mesmerizing. Haunting. Heartbreaking. Tender. Hopeful. Healing. Life.

How can I describe the unique and unforgettable novel No One Is Here Except All Of Us by Ramona Ausubel? Part fable. Part poetry. Part fairy tale. Ausubel takes the stories that she has heard from her grandmother since childhood and weaves them into a breathtaking and heart wrenching novel with characters that are vivid and alive in their human desires, aches and triumphs.

A remote Jewish village in Romania decides to create a new world for themselves as the Nazis and war threatens eminent danger. Constructing a society that cares for everyone in the village, they cut themselves off from the outside world and choose instead to believe that the world has started over. They alone exist. Having a strong faith and a stranger that is determined to protect them, they successfully live peacefully in their new world for several years. But the other world continues and the war that has taken over Europe will not leave them unmolested. As their faith in their new world is shattered they turn to hope.

Hope = Life.

A novel like No One Is Here Except All Of Us is a rare gift and Ramona Ausubel is a rare talent.

** I received a free copy of No One Is Here Except All Of Us in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.

The Winner of LONG ROAD HOME

Wow! I almost forgot to pick a winner! Thanks for being patient.

The winner of the paperback copy of Long Road Home by Will Allison is . . .

MELANIE

Congratulations! Please send me an email with your information so we can ship the book to you.  Thanks.

All That I Am - Book Review

Yesterday morning, I told Utah Dad, "if you read one single book that I suggest to this year, read All That I Am."


All That I Am by Anna Funder is a novel based on the true story of small group of friends and political activists who must flee their native Germany as Hitler gains power in the 1930s but who continue to fight against the Reich from their exile in London. They would spend years in prison, give their lives or even their very souls during this harrowing and dangerous attempt to stop a madman by exposing his abuses to the naive world.

I was engrossed in this novel. It was terrifying to be reminded once again of the long and deadly reach of the Nazi Party as Hitler seizes power and reigns with terror. It was helpful to have recently read Erik Larson's In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin (read my review **here**) so that I already had a familiarity with events such as the Night of the Long Knives or Röhm-Putsch--the night Hitler and the Nazis staged a crime to give them an excuse to murder hundreds of political opponents and critics. While All That I Am does an amazing job of bringing the very real human fear surrounding these events and others, I was grateful that I already had some background to place the story.

Anna Funder has an amazing ability to take her research regarding these very brave and real people and give them character on the pages. Her characters are strong, yet have very real human flaws. Toller's depression is intense and at the same time utterly and tragically believable. Though it plays only a small part in the theme of the story, Funder's details of Ruth's struggle with aging are ever so respectful and compassionate as she reminds the reader that the elderly have stories and value. I was very moved by Funder's work.

This novel is as gripping and intriguing as any spy novel but is so much more interesting because it is essentially true. Funder is an incredible writer and she successfully breathes life into a story that has waited too long to be told.

** I received a complimentary copy of All That I Am in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.

The Plague

My children have been sick with a nasty virus for the last week. Thomas was home from school for almost a week and Amberly is home again today. They're pretty miserable. The only good thing about this virus is that the sick kids spend about 22 hours a day sleeping.

And Molly was so cuddly. As she snuggled in my bed for some comfort the other night, I couldn't resist snapping a picture of her cute rosy cheeks. She rarely sits still lately so I totally took advantage of the sweet moments. She's feeling better but has lost her voice. It's really quite adorable.

But now I'm tired of all the sickness and I just want everyone to get better.

Long Drive Home - Book Give-away

To celebrate the release of Long Drive Home by Will Allison in paperback (read my review **here**), the publishers are offering a free copy as a give-away to one of my lucky readers.

In Long Drive Home, Glen gives in to his road rage. He only means to scare the reckless driver. His one quick action will cause a deadly reaction by the teenage driver and set in motion a series of events and decisions that will drastically change Glen and his family's lives.


I really enjoyed this powerful story about choices and consequences and I think you will too.

To enter to win a copy of Long Drive Home, leave a comment on this post. The contest will be open to entries until Friday, February 10th at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be chosen randomly from the comments and will be announced on Saturday, February 11th.

The Golden Hour - Book Review

Reading the synopsis of The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele, I was immediately intrigued. Giovanna is a young woman living in Tuscany during World War II. Her village is occupied by the Germans as the Italians have now aligned themselves with the Allies. As the Italians wait for the Allied troops to liberate them, some, including Giovanna's brother, join the Resistance. Her brother asks Giovanna to help hide his Jewish friend Marco. And, of course, Giovanna will fall madly in love with Marco.

I actually found that I had to drudge my way through this novel. My first problem was the main character. In the beginning of the novel, Giovanna is flirting with a love affair with one of the occupying Nazi soldiers. That entire experience paints her as flighty, fickle and reckless. Later, when entrusted with the duty of supplying the Resistance, she has so much trouble keeping her secret. At the same time, the author describes her as very pious, devoted to her religion and the cause of the Italians. Obviously, she is just a girl and will grow up during the novel. I realize this, but the progression doesn't seem realistic. Then, she meets Marco and she is willing to sacrifice her family, the lives of others, and her religion for his love. I would buy it if the author had more successfully portrayed their romance. As told, it came across as very shallow. Marco was a very two-dimensional character, in spite of the inclusion of his journal entries.

Overall, I was disappointed by this novel. It had a beautiful setting and a promising plot but the writing was wordy and awkward. It lacked the passion that would make me want to root for the love affair.

The details of the war between the Italians and the Germans and the Allies as well as the racial tension throughout the country were interesting (though I question some facts and even the inconsistencies of Giovanna's earlier naivete about what was happening to Jews and then her sudden defense of them and the Black Allied soldiers), but hardly made the book worth the time.

** I received a complimentary copy of The Golden Hour in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received. The Golden Hour will be released next week. **