I've been reading a few books this (now last) summer, and over the vacation, I was able to finish two, that I felt correlated, leaving me feel very disturbed and disquieted. One of the books was 1984 by George Orwell. I actually have wanted to read this for quite a while because of how "Big Brother" is referred to so often with our media and some movies. I felt that once I personally read the whole idea, the reference would mean more to me, and I could be more specifically critical in op ed pieces and news articles I might come across. When I finished the book, I struggled to be able to sleep. Putting my finger on what exactly I was most disturbed about still has had my mind turning in non ending circles. The second book, The Giver, was recommended by my son who loved the book assigned to him in Jr. High. We read it aloud, because he liked it so well, he wanted to read it again. With every page, I kept asking him when it would get good. Honestly, I have heard this to be a great book by many others. It is recommended reading on many lists. And it was poetic. The correllation that really bothered me was the "Utopia" that both books set up. I think that not enough people read these books.

Family Vacation

We had the most wonderful family vacation! Usually, we visit family, which we all love, but we decided to use the short time we had to go somewhere cool at night (Troy's requirement). So our dear friend referred us to her friend who has a cabin in Fish Lake in Utah. On our way over, we stopped in Vail
Then we went to Arches National Park, which is Aunt Mindy's favorite park. The arches will not always be there, so we tried to see them specifically.






Then we went to Goblin Valley! I went there when I was younger with my Nelson cousins and, although the details aren't sharp, I remember having a fabulous time and have wanted to go back ever since. And, Goblin valley is a set for a part of Galaxy Quest, my medicine to bring laughter. That was also impressive for my kids.



I need to find a way to do the movie thing for all our pictures. . .
We then headed to Fish Lake to this fabulous, comfortable cabin!






We did many hikes,




We drove a boat








jumping in freezing cold water


Nathan, Emma and Daniel went fishing with their dad


Nathan caught 2 Emma caught 3 and Daniel caught 4 and the largest, which we ate for lunch!
We cooked smores and Luc threw rocks in the lake

what we are learning at my house

I have more interesting, or at least I think so going on, but I just have to mention this. . .
Taylor is 15. He is a gross (and I love him anyway) boy. He still thinks toots and burps are statements worth often communicating. So a couple of days ago in the car, he lets out a great big burp. I turned back and said "Taylor!!!" (implying yet again that he should excuse himself or try to keep it to himself. It is not a medical condition yet.) Luke thought this was great fun, so he made a sound like a belch and then said "Lucas!"

2 yr old what is what

Two year old, Luke just brought in the ziplock of zucchini bread muffins and asked for one " uh aunt one!". As I started to open the bag, he was handing me the last half of the one he had been eating on earlier this afternoon. I said, "Oh, you need to finish this one first". He pushed it away and said "ew gross!" Maybe that isn't funny to anyone else, but I am still laughing inside and out.

My Christmas Inspiration

Ever since we moved from Idaho, I have missed being a part of or attending The Messiah at Ricks/BYUI. It was a personal highlight of the Christmas season. It deepens the Christmas season and my love for the scriptures. I have found something that is also inspiring here.
Every year at the Arlington Stake Center they have a Natvity display. The rooms all over the church are decorated thematically and display nativity sets. They have over 1000 throughout the building. A couple of rooms are sets from 1 collector each. One lady has her sets organized according to where the set was made, like these from Africa. One is made from banana leaves and the lower one indiginous organic items. They are from all over and many are unique.

They have a look and find sheet for the children to point out different kinds and sizes, helping the children look at each nativity. One set was from a lady in Poland who learned of her collection so she made one for her made of colorful tinfoil candy wrappers.

They have choirs from around the area sing Christmas songs every half hour. Emma got to sing this year with her choir from Pearcy. Taylor sang with West a few years ago.

I feel full of awe at the craftmanship of the different sets, the effort of the displays, and the love and rejoicing that comes from the rememberance of the Savior born for us. This gift and His gift are so powerful to me. I weep every year.

Don't bug me

Daniel is very allergic to the fire ants here.

Collegiate Inn Improves!

Just in case you haven't driven by to check out the improvements on the apartments lately.
You can't see the Plumbing redo (which was enormous) and the HVAC system, (also extremely big) but all will enjoy this. The exterior is looking increasingly better. Yay!