Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This classic book isn't long and has a great ending. I did struggling getting through it and many times had to force myself to read it. However, it being a classic, I think everyone should read it.


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Better Than Expected

I planted a salsa garden earlier in the summer. I didn't know so much what I was doing but I was proud of myself for giving it a try.
The salsa garden is going much better than I expected.

My tomato plant is a bear. It's huge! It's going to grow right out of the pot. And, I already harvested some cilantro and made a very delicious batch of salsa.

All I have to say is... my salsa garden rocks! I'm making plans for how I'm going to do it even bigger and better next year. I'm so excited to see how it continues to grow. Any body hungry for some salsa?

Soccer Surprise

A few weeks ago my sister Colette and her family came down from Logan to go to the REAL game. I was excited they were going to be there because I love the game so much. I called her on my way to the game to ask where they were sitting so we could meet up. She told me and then said, "Gracie is with us too!" I was so excited. Not only was Colette's family coming to the game but my cute niece Gracie was coming as well. During half time I went and met up with them. Savanah and Gracie decided they wanted to come sit with me. Although Gracie doesn't look to happy, I had a great time and I'm so happy they all came down to watch the REAL. Go RSL!!

Grape Vines

The grape vines in my back yard get bigger and bigger every year. That's what we want to have happen, right?

I spent the day a couple of Saturdays ago, trimming the grapes and putting up some more trellises so they would grow on the side of the shed. If any of you are in the mood from some wine come harvest... let me know and I'll keep you in mind (wink).

My Mom Did it For Me..

One of my new year's resolutions was to make a quilt.  I decided I wanted to make a 4th of July quilt to take to parades, fireworks, picnics etc in the summer during the 4th of July celebrations.  I went to the store and choose the pattern and picked out the fabric.  I spent almost and entire Saturday cutting all of the peices.  Then I figured out the color scheme and pattern.  

I have a sewing machine but haven't used it since I was a senior in high school.  A few weeks ago I was planning to stay in Morgan on a Friday night after volunteering for the Wasatch Back Rely.  I decided to take my fabric to use my moms sewing machine because it was nicer and already set up.  I was up late that Friday night at the race and was exhausted on Saturday morning.  My mom said to me when I woke up, "Why don't you go back to sleep and I will sew your quilt for you. "  I didn't object.  She pieced the entire quilt together for me.

I also wanted to have the quilt professional machine quilted because of time and energy.  I didn't want to have to worry about getting it done.  My mom knew this and being the great lady that she is, found someone to quilt it for me, provided me with the batt to go inside, took the quilt to the lady, paid the lady to quilt it, picked it up, and finished all of the binding.  I didn't know she had done all of that.  She called me last Sunday morning and told me my quilt was done.  I said, "What" she said.  I picked it up yesterday, it is done.  I did it for you. 

I was so happy.  I have been overly stressed lately with work and starting school in a month, trying to train for the 1/2 marathon and everything else, I didn't think I would have time to get the quilt done.  It was one of the best surprises I have ever had, when my mom called and said my quilt was done.  I love her so much.  I'm so happy to have her in my life.  And, I love my quilt.  It turned out just the way I wanted it.  Happy 4th of July!!

T3

When the first Transformers movie came out I didn't want to see it but I did and I was shocked by how much I liked it.  When the second Transformers movie came out I did want to see it and was shocked by how much I didn't like it.  The third Transformers movie just came out.  I wanted to see it and I really liked it.  Way to pull it back together for number three!  I say two thumbs up, I thought it was great!

Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've read a lot of James Patterson novels.  Interesting that I didn't start with this one first since it is #1.  I like his writing.  The books don't blow me away but there is something I like about them because I keep reading them.  The book has a good blot with mystery, romance and suspension.  I liked it quite a bit. On the the next...

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Proud to Be

I am very proud to be an American!!

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and respectful 4th of July weekend!

X-men: First Class

I love the X-men movies!!  I have been a huge fan since I saw the first one years ago.  It might have a little bit to do with the fact that I have a gigantic crush on Hugh Jackman!  No, truly, I think the movies are great. They are entertaining not too cheesy..(maybe a little) but the movies are great to watch and enjoy.  The first class movie did a great job of showing how the Xmen came to be.  It was fun to see them in their younger years.  I liked the way the story was developed and thought it was well played. Definitely a must see!

A Little More About Texas

While I was in Texas a few weeks ago there was kind of a lot going on.   Amaia was born which was so exciting and fun to be a part of.  In addition, Milo had just turned eight and was getting baptized.

With Milo and Holly at Milo's Baptism.

After the baptism Monica and Scott hosted a taco bar at their house for friends, family and neighbor. Of course they were a complete delight due to Scott's cooking.   Milo wore a Brazilian soccer jersey during the taco party that I was very happy to see him wearing. 

 Go Brazil!!!

While everyone was mingling and eating Monica and I snuck away to take Amaia to her first doctor's appointment.

I loved going to Amaia's doctor's appointment.  It was so fun to be there.  She passed all the tests.  As I said a hundred times over the weekend..."She is perfect!"  We will see if her parents think that as she gets older.

Holly got a little tired with all of the excitement and took a nap in the middle of the floor. 

There was a significant amount of family in town to support Monica and Scott for the birth of Amaia and for Milo's baptism.  Scott's siblings, parents and grandparents were there.  Along with myself and my mother. Because of all the support, they decided to bless Amaia at their house while we were all there.  It was a very touching experience.  The Bishop came over after church and it was very sweet and simple. 

The Little Family. 

I love going to visit Monica and her family.  I wish they lived a little closer.  I look up to them in so many ways.  They are one of the best families I know.  They are caring and giving, down to earth and easy going.  They are easy to be around and fun to talk to.  I'm so grateful they are a part of my family and that they are such great friends to me as well. 

Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good little book. Easy to read and full of fun little stories. Great for the younger crowd!

My New Baby Niece

My new baby niece Amaia Ann was born the first week of June.  Luckily I had planned to go see Monica and her family that weekend and was able to meet little Amaia 24 hours after she was born. 

 She is so cute and sweet!  I loved holding her all the time! I might have hogged her a little...

 I love the little ones very much!

 I miss her all the way!  

After I left and came home I told my sister she should move back to Utah and could live with me.  She kind of laugh a little bit out loud... her only response was why don't you move here and live with us.  Sadly, I don't think that is going to happen... sigh!