Books Read in September

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets- pgs. 341
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - pgs. 436
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - pgs. 734
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - pgs. 870
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - pgs 652
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - pgs. 759

*** So I know I've read the Harry Potter series so many times, but when I want to completely zone out and am stressed, I always turn to my series that I love, and no matter how many times I read these I still love them.

The Last Apprentice: Clash of the Demons - pgs. 404

***I absolutely LOVE this series. I was so shocked by certain revelations in this book and so happy that certain things were finally explained. I'm only sad because it would seem that this may be the last in this series.

Ranger's Apprentice: The Siege of Macindaw - pgs. 293

***I also really enjoy this series and watching these characters as they grow up. They really are such likable characters.

The Book of Three - pgs. 190

***So I go the Black Cauldron series because I was told they were awesome. I enjoyed it but it didn't hold my attention as much as I expected. I figure I will get back to the rest of the series but right now I have another project in mind.

Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo - pgs. 359

***So finally "The Ruins of Alder" are out and so I must start from the beginning again. I always take the time to reread the ones that come before, before tackling the new book in a series; it helps me to keep the cohesion of the story, plus, it's just fun to reread a great series, and this one definitely qualifies. I don't think there is an author out there like Obert Skye who can make me laugh so hard I have to be careful not to eat or drink anything while I am reading. I just absolutely love this series and can't wait to see where Leven Thumps' fate takes him next.

Total for September: 5038 pgs.
Total for 2009: 29, 530 pgs.

**Oh yes, and if you ever have any questions about any of the books I read, just let me know.

Our Newest Additions

Yup, I'm a total sucker. Went down to "possibly" adopt a kitten and ended up with two. Oh, well, they are too cute.
Meet Seamus, this one has been through a bunch of names already, but I think we finally have settled. He's only 9 weeks old, but he is one big kitty.
This is Dexter, he's 7 weeks. He's about half Seamus's size. He's really playful.

They are both so adorable. We are really looking forward to seeing them get use to their new home. We just got back and right now they are a bit skittish. Seamus especially with loud noises, and anyone who's been around here knows how loud my kids can get. Dan is pretty possessive of Dexter, and unfortunately all the other kids want to get ahold of him too. Well here's hoping we made a good decision this time around.

That's Something To Be Proud Of

There's a story that my daddy tells religiously
Like clockwork every time he sees an opening
In a conversation about the way things used to be
Well I'd just roll my eyes and make a bee-line for the door
But I'd always END up starry-eyed, cross-legged on the floor
Hanging on to every word
Man, the things I heard

It was harder times and longer days
Five miles to school, uphill both ways
We were cane switch raised, and dirt floor poor
'Course that was back before the war
Yeah, your uncle and I made quite a pair
Flying F-15's through hostile air
He went down but they missed me by a hair
He'd always stop right there and say...

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
That's a chin held high as the tears fall down
A gut sucked in, a chest stuck out
Like a small town flag a-flyin'
Or a newborn baby cryin'
In the arms of the woman that you love
That's something to be proud of

So I'm graduatin' college, that was mama's dream
But I was on my way to anywhere else when I turned 18
Cuz when you gotta fast car you think you've got everything
I learned quick those GTO's don't run on faith
I ended up broken down in some town north of L.A.
Working maximum hours for minimum wage
Well, I fell in love, next thing I know
The babies came, the car got slow
I sure do miss that old hot rod
But you sure save gas in them foreign jobs
Dad, I wonder if I ever let you down
If you're ashamed how I turned out
Well, he lowered his voice, then he raised his brow
Said, lemme tell ya right now

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
You don't need to make a million
Just be thankful to be workin'
You can do with what your able
And putting food there on the table
And providing for the family that you love
That's something to be proud of

And if all you ever really do is the best you can
Well, you did it man

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
That's a chin held high as the tears fall down
A gut sucked in, a chest stuck out
Like a small town flag a-flyin'
Or a newborn baby cryin'
In the arms of the woman that you love
That's something to be proud of
That's something to be proud of
Yeah, that's something to be proud of
That's something to be proud of
Now that's something to be proud of


***Song is by Montgomery Gentry***

Remember

Here's to the memory of all those who lost their lives on that day. . .
9/11. I still remember the horror of watching those towers fall to the ground on TV. I was walking to class at BYU with Joe that morning. I was pregnant with Hyrum. My mom was driving to Connecticut to bury my grandmother, and I knew that at about the time the attack occurred was about the time she should have been driving into New York. I was so sad, so scared. I waited hours to hear that my mom was okay. They had been on the Tapenzee (sp?) bridge when all the signs started up with "New York CLOSED" and they saw the smoke. It was truly a sad day in our nations history.


Here's to all those who have died since. . .
This is Joe's favorite flag, and so in honor of all those who have died as a result of 9/11, a moment of silence and honor for you. And to all those who are left behind. . . (this was written for a wife, but I think husband can be substituted)

The Silent Ranks

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens,
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders.
Salutes I do not give.
But the military world is the place where I live.

I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one that does,
this I cannot forget.
I'm not the one who fires the weapon,
who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man
and the call to serve his country, not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed
to keep this country free.
My husband makes this sacrifice,
but so do our kids and me.

I love the man I married. Soldiering is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks
Known as the military wife.