Rebecca

Rebecca by Daphine Du Mauier

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I liked this book a lot. It was slow going at first, but so descriptive and intriguing it was hard to put down. The more I read, the more suspenseful it got. Mysterious and beautifully written.

I am at a loss at how to explain this book. The main female character, whose name is actually never given, is trying to settle into her newly married life. Fighting with the memory and ghost of her new husband 's , first wife, Rebecca. She thinks that the distance and unrest in their relationship is due to his love for Rebecca, little does she know there is much more. There is also creepy house keeper, whose undying affection for the deceased Rebecca, causes our heroine constant anxiety. The ending was a bit sudden, but a good twist and fitting ending to the book.

I am looking forward to reading another one of Daphine's books.

We got our orders!

We are going to MCKINLEYVILLE, CALIFORNIA!

I am pretty excited about our new post. It was our second choice, and although I am still mourning the loss of not being able to live in Port Angeles WA, I think Northern California with be a great fit for us. McKinleyville is right on the coast, so we will still have our beaches, albeit very different and probably A LOT colder beaches. McKinleyville is also very close to the Oregon border, and even closer to the Redwood National Park. There will be so much to see and do. We will only be a 5 hour drive from San Francisco, and a 18 hour drive home to Utah (yay, no more 6 hour plane rides!).

Although it is going to be so hard to leave Hawaii, heart breaking really. I am looking forward to the change. A bigger house and yard for the boys hopefully (fingers crossed), new friends, new church ward, and MY OWN CAR (Jason promised)!! It is hard to move, stressful, sad, scary, but also really exciting. I love to travel, and see new things. I am looking forward to sharing this move with the boys, and having a nice family road trip.

5 more months in Hawaii, gah even saying that out loud hurt a little.

Flashback Friday

Harrison William

He was such a plumpy little guy. He is about 6 months old in this picture. We went home to Utah, for Auntie Laura's wedding. It was so fun to have time for just me and Harry, he was such a love-able baby, so sweet. He is growing up so fast lately, having his first big boy tantrums (for not getting what he wants), climbing up and down the stairs much faster than Mommy would like, running, dancing and just plain growing up. I miss his little baby fat and trying to get him to smile, and those pinch-able, kissable cheeks.

At the beach.

After picking Jason up from work on Friday, we decided to make an impromptu stop at the beach. Clark was so excited, he couldn't get out of his car seat fast enough, he was squealing with joy 'water water water'.

Without a doubt my boys are the happiest at the beach!

Clark likes to run and run and run.

Seriously, he doesn't stop running in and out of the water.

Harry likes to find a little shallow part to play in, collecting rocks and tasting as much sand as he can.

Yep, Clark is still running.

We were at the beach for a couple hours and he didn't stop running the entire time. I love to watch him. I could use a little of his energy. But, I am more like Harry... happy in a comfy spot, just taking it all in.

They were so sad to go home, Clark cried the whole way. I don't know what we are going to do when we move, and we aren't 10 minutes from a beach, with year around swimming weather. Awe, we love ya Hawaii!

Flashback Friday

One of my favorite baby pictures of Clark, he is about 9 weeks old. We have no idea what startled him, but the result is priceless!!

One Crazy Clark

The other night Clark felt like putting on his floaties while he watched tv... um alrighty then.

Clark,

I think I am going to change your name to Gigantor, you are getting so tall.

I can't believe how fast you are growing up, right before my eyes. Last night, as I watched you sleep, thankful you were STILL and QUIET for once, I couldn't believe how much your looks have changed. No more chubby baby face, or nose that is too big for your face... you are a little boy now. You have one of the funniest personalities. You love to play jokes; like hiding from me and your Dad so you can jump out and scare us, or fake sleeping so you can scare us, or starting an impromptu tickle fight. You are always on the go go go! I am so tired all the time from chasing you everywhere, and cleaning up after your MANY shenanigans. This last week you managed to; pour half a bottle of dish soap all over the carpet, couches, and your brother (and not a little bottle, a giant one from Costco), trash my room and dresser drawers more than once, lose my keys (found later in the fridge), destroy my make-up, and just this morning you dumped syrup all over the couches and the carpet (we really need to invest in a carpet cleaner). I know you don't mean to do all the naughty things, you are just so very curious...and too brave and willful for your own good. Some days I do get so tired of yelling at you to "please stop" over and over.

No matter how many messes you make, or how much trouble you cause... I wouldn't change you for anything. You make life worth living, and fun. I love all the words you are saying now (at least 50, if not more). I love that you call flour tortillas, one of your favorite snacks, circles. And I love how much you LOVE shapes and numbers. I love watching how excited you get when you meet new people, and try to make friends. I love listening to you sing along (or try) to your favorite songs. I love how curious you are with my camera, and watching you take pictures of things (well mostly just watching everyone in the view finder). I love that when I try to punish you, you ask me if I am ok and give me a hug (reassuring yourself that we are still BFFs).

You are turning 3 soon, and I can hardly believe it.... it is just a few weeks away. I wonder how you feel about all of this. Do you feel three years old? I wish you could tell me what you are thinking... I wish I could know what is going on inside that little head of yours.

Little, Big

Little, Big by John Crowley

I tried... I tried for two long weeks and I could never get past the first 100 pages.

I liked it enough. The writing was very descriptive and interesting. The characters were intriguing and mysterious, and the story really seemed like it was going places, cool and fun places. BUT, it just never took off. As much as I wanted to read it, and see where it took me, I hate wasting two weeks on a book when there is so much more out there to read. So, it is back on the shelf, to wait for another day.

Hand-me downs.

Do you ever wonder what Clark would look like if he was a girl?

I finally found a use for all my old t-shirts, that (lets be real) I am never gonna fit in again. They make great pajama shirts, although a little less pink on Clark would make Jason happier.

The boys.

Sometimes they really do love each other. Although...to be honest, I never know if Clark is really hugging him, or just trying to see how hard he can squeeze him.

It astounds me how big Harry is. But, every time he starts to finally catch up to Clark, Clark decides to have another growth spurt just to keep ahead. I love to watch them play together, when I am lucky enough to get them to play together. I love having two little boys!

Jason and his one true love...

Fast Food!

Jaosn is a junk-food-aholic. Seriously, he eats all day long, massive amounts of food. Its no wonder I have gotten plumpier the longer I have known him. He can eat an entire combo meal (biggie sized) with a shake, finish off my food, and still be ready for seconds in just another hour. Gah! He has already gotten Clark so addicted to McDonald's that he starts to hyperventilate every time we pass one (Clark, not Jason...ok sometimes Jason too). I am the ONLY person in our house that eats vegetables, no kidding.

How is it possible that he is still cute, even while he is stuffing his face?? That has got to be true love... on all sides.

I want to start Flashback Fridays again so....

Me all chubby and with child, Clark ;)

This was taken about four days before Clark was born, Feb.11, 2007. We would go down to Kailua Beach every night/day to walk and swim. I was trying to walk him right out of me! I was TIRED of being pregnant, and I wanted to meet this strange little boy who kept me up all night kicking me (actually he still does, ha ha). It was such a great time for me and Jason; walking up and down the beach talking about the little boy we would soon meet, what kind of parents we wanted to be, how our life was about to change, and how so very excited we were. I loved being pregnant (after I got past the morning SICKness part) the anticipation and excitement, the planning, feeling the little baby kicking and moving around inside of me, having a GREAT reason to be plumpy and eat a little something extra if I wanted :) And I love being a Mom now (after I get past the sick kids part) the anticipation and excitement of them learning something new, the snuggles and tickle fights, the slobbery kisses and games we get to play. It is A LOT of work, A LOT... but I do love and cherish every minute of it.

Oh how I love thee...

I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy!!!

I can't even tell you much I love this picture. His fatty buddah belly peeking out of the top of the water. His dirty face and cheeks (from eating leaves and sticks outside). His gappy teeth, which he totally gets from me. His giant puppy paws, and fat little fingers. The way he is scrunching up his nose, making some sort of face at me, probably having to do with the yucky way the bubbles tasted...or the ridiculous noises I was making trying to get him to look at the camera. I love it. I look at it and instantly laugh. I love his little squishy face.

Smell!

Mahi Mell!

Clark kept asking me to smell, or as he likes to say it mell, all the bushes and flowers yesterday (or the other day, they all seem to run into one long long day). This particular bush didn't even have anything on it, just leaves with no smell that I could smell, but he liked this one the most??? Maybe there was something he could smell that I couldn't. He can be so funny some times, and once he gets a thought or idea in his head he can't get rid of it. Funny Little Tuna.

I love Kaneohe.

Kaneohe Bay. This probably would've been a much better picture, if I wasn't so short and I could've seen over the weeds.

I love Kaneohe, and where I live. In fact, if it wasn't so far from my family and I had a bigger house (with air conditioning and a dish washer) then I could live here forever, and ever. Driving home from church last Sunday I was struck by how flat and the still the water was, it looked like glass. I have never seen it so still before, and it made the bay look even more pretty. Add in the way the clouds were drifting down the mountains, and how green and fresh everything looked after the rain... well, to me it just seemed perfect. I feel so fortunate to live in Hawaii, and see the beauty of it everyday.

Bedtime Stories

Every night before Clark and I go to sleep, we snuggle up in Mommy's big bed and read (Yes, we still sleep together. Yes, I know we shouldn't. And no, right now I don't really even care.) He gets his favorite books, which right now are a big picture book with all sorts of shapes and animals that we can name and a Wonder Pets sticker activity book, and we read until our eyes can't take it anymore, then off to sleep we go. I love love love this quiet time we get to spend together every night. I love that he is finally taking interest in reading and books. It is a perfectly lovely way to end a busy day.

My Little Harry

You are growing so fast, and so BIG. We can't keep you in any clothes, they are always too small or too tight... or too long, because they are your brothers. You are still so quiet, unless you are hungry or really tired. You haven't really started saying any words yet, but sometimes I do think I hear you say Mama. You love to just snuggle with your WallE blanket and your pacifier, and watch your favorite shows. You are happy and content to play with your favorite toys, or waddle around outside collecting leaves and twigs. I wish I could figure out your little leaf and stick fetish. You get so excited when you find the perfect stick; you bend it, poke at it, taste it, and collect them in your room. You love it when Daddy comes home, and when it is time to run around outside. You love chicken nuggets and pretzels. You beg me for pretzels all day long, bringing me the bag over and over again. You have such a sweet spirit about you.

I feel like there is so much I don't know about you. You are so different from the way your brother was at this age. I am really looking forward to the one on one time we will get to spend together in the next couple months, when you brother starts preschool. We really do love you so much Harry. I know sometimes it may seem like Clark gets everything, all the attention, all the toys, all the best candy... but our life and family would not be complete without you. I don't know what I would do without your slobbery little head-butts (that I pretend are kisses) or your warm snuggles. You are the best baby boy a Mommy could ask for.

Congrats Cody and Joelle!

Cody and Joelle DEIMLER

I think they are absolutely adorable together, perfect!

Last month my little brother, the last of my brothers and sisters, got married!! Unfortunately I wasn't able to go (stupid airlines lines and their ridiculous prices), but my Gramps sent me a flash drive full of pictures and the days events (awe, isn't he the BEST). I almost felt like I was there. Cody and Joelle have been dating for years, and I am so happy they finally sealed the deal :) She makes a wonderful addition to our family, and I love the way she makes my brother happy.

Since I couldn't be there Laura video messaged me all day long, here she is walking 'me' through the line. Cody and Joelle even hugged the camera, ha ha ha. I love that they took time out of their day to make me feel like I was apart of things, I sure miss them.

Here are ALL my brothers and sisters, and one tiny niece. We are all married now. I think the only thing missing from this picture (besides the Boskos) is MORE babies. I can't wait for Cody and Joelle's little red headed babies!

The Deimler, Williams, and Pace Family. What a good lookin' bunch.

Cody and Joelle with Granny and Gramps Deimler.

Pictures courtesy of Gramps (Bill) Deimler!!! Thanks for sending them to me.

Neverwhere

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

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This is the second book I have read by Neil Gaiman, and just like the first (Stardust) I enjoyed it very much. Once again I was swept away into another world, albeit a slightly dark and twisted world, filled with action, mystery, sarcasm, and yes even a little romance. I love his imagination and creativity.

After coming to the rescue of a strange wounded girl, named Door, Richard is unable to get back to his normal life. Literaly unable, no one can see him, or even remember who he is. Richard goes underground, to London Below, on a quest to get his old life back. London Below is a very different world from our own, filled with floating markets, strange creatures, and talking rats. There he finds Door (and her friends and enemies) and together they attempt to avenge the death of Door's family and find a way to get Richard back home, and his life back to normal.

A Really BIG Accomplishment

We got to church ON TIME today. This never happens, ever. We got there on time, and we even sat ALL through sacrament meeting. The ENTIRE family, all four of us! Again this has never happened before. Typically one of us is always out chasing Clark around, who is too noisy and hyper to sit anywhere. It has been so hard in the past, to sit with Clark during church, that I can count the times we went to sacrament meeting last year (three, only three times). We would always go to church, almost every Sunday, we were just really really late. But we did it today, as a family, the entire time, no fits, no crying (not even from Jason), and on time to boot! It has to be some sort of miracle. I am so proud of us. It is the first time that we have gone to all three hours of church, as a family.

You might be asking yourself, how did she ever manage to get Clark to sit still. Well, I let him play my Nintendo DS. He has no idea what he is doing, he just pushes the buttons and bangs on the screen a lot, but it kept him still and quiet. Probably not the best toy to bring to church, but I could care less...he was there and quiet and happy. I consider that quite successful. I am a very happy Mommy tonight.

It's another New Year!!!

I know I say it every year, but I can't believe how fast time has gone by. 2009 is gone, and so is the first decade of the new millennium. I remember ringing in the year 2000 with Jason, downtown Provo watching the fireworks with our friends, wondering where the 90's went, wondering what the future held for me (we were still not married yet) and just being blown away that it was 2000. And now 10 years and two kids later, I say it again... I can't believe it is 2010!!! Where have the last ten years gone??

We have had a WONDERFUL year. We were blessed in more ways than I can count. My children are healthy and happy, Jason has a good job, and we have the most amazing family and friends... what more can you ask for.

Our 3rd Annual New Year's Eve Dinner at Zia's

Me and Harry, Lenei, Kama, Papa Val, Valzey, Loa, Jason and Clark

Every New Year's Eve, since we have moved here, we have had dinner with our wonderful neighbors and friends. We celebrate the New Year, our friendship, and Papa Val's anniversary. Then we go home and set of fireworks; which this year we had to skip because Clark is terrified of fireworks (he spent the night under the blankets trying to ignore the constant booming). It doesn't help that our neighborhood is one rowdy bunch, they start lighting off fireworks earlier and earlier every year. This New Year's dinner was a little bitter sweet, considering it will be our last one here in Hawaii. I am going to miss our tradition, and our sweet neighbors, they have been like family to us here.

I am really looking forward to 2010! It will be heart breaking to leave Hawaii (honestly who LEAVES Hawaii), but I am looking forward to the move, and finding out where we are going (and hopefully being closer to home). I am looking forward to watching the boys learn and grow, and maybe even expanding our family a little :)

I don't have too many resolutions this year... I hope to better myself through exercise and a healthy diet, and continue working on my family blog, and pictures. I am hoping to better my relationship with my Heavenly Father and church, in the hope of bring my family closer together and closer to God.

Family, family, family... it is all about family this year, being together as a family, learning more as a family, becoming closer as a family, becoming happier as a family.

Happy New Year To All!!

ps. I also want to read more this year...my goal is 100 books.

The Red Tent

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

✭✭✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

I really liked this book. It was interesting and provocative. Filled with little lessons, and thoughtful drama. The story follows the life of Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah (yeah, that Jacob and Leah, from the Bible). It begins with her telling the story of her four mothers, and the birth of her brothers and sisters. We learn with Dinah as she becomes a woman, and a midwife. It (the book) celebrates the story of women, and the role they play in bringing life into the world.

The only thing I didn't like was the way the author changed the some of the Bible stories, and the personalities of key figures. I thought of it purely as a fictional story, rather than doctrine or any sort of truthful testament. Good read, all about girl power, and the strength and sacrifice of women.