christmas party

Dec 13th, 7pm
Jorgensen Manor (Laurel's mom's house)

white elephant
gift exchange (if that's your thing)
pot-luck (bring whatever eatable tickles your fancy)

see you there!

For Every Mother

One of the best books I've read about motherhood. I went to high school with her son, and I think he was a lucky guy--wish I'd gotten to know his whole family. I like how she's pithy and brief with her reflections. Here are some parts I loved (in my own words):

She says that we can't take blame or credit for how our kids turn out. We take the blame or credit for how WE turn out through our experiences as a mother.

She says she writes because life is short and she wants to savor certain moments. Writing gives her a chance to live a moment, ponder the experience again while writing about it, and then relive it by reading what she's written. She makes me want to write more in the journal I keep for my kids.

Our own litte island paradise!

It's time again, ladies!!!

Tuesday, July 31st

1:30 to 4 pm

Woodbury Swim and Pogo Club

Hope you can make it! It' going to be a SWELL time!!!

We'll be discussing Nie's book, "Heaven is Here"

book for May/June

My Mom couldn't stop talking how much she loved this book, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. So, we are going to read it! It was such a lovely time meeting up at Savory and Sweet-- we missed you gals who couldn't make it.  I'm going to start reading it now and let you know when my copy is free.

Ranger's Apprentice series

I've been reading these with our oldest boy (age 11--he loves them!). They're a lot of fun. There are 10 books in the Ranger's Apprentice series; I'm on number 7, and he just finished the last. I wish the characters didn't love coffee so much ;), but other than that, great books.

sisterhood everlasting

Devoured this all in one night.

You wouldn't be sorry if you did the same.

Heartbreak, rediscovery, lost loves, life changes. The Sisterhood, just turning 30. Amazing.

March Bookclub Read

Hey Ladies...did we decide on our next read for bookclub? I was thinking it is time to do a self help book. My sister-in-law gave John and me this book and it has really struck something within me. I thought it would be good for all of us to read! It is Excuses Begone!by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I was thinking maybe we could start doing bookclub during the day? like meeting for lunch? for those of us with small kids, we can just bring them. That way it wont run into any conflicting schedules at night. If not, fine too. Just add your comments. There is a really yummy cafe that one of the Seminary teachers John works with owns. It is accross the street from Target on Center in Orem. It's a crepe place called Savory and Sweet. maybe we could meet there for march? and if we decide on this book or others, I was thinking the end of march would give us enough time? you can find this book for very cheap. I bought it on my kindle for three bucks.

Flipped

I loved this book--it's a fast read, fun story. It's by Wendelin Van Draanen.

Hunger Games Trilogy

How many of you have read the whole Hunger Games trilogy? I just finished the last book and want to talk to someone about it. So, here goes (warning: spoilers). Did you have a hard time liking Katniss in the third book like I did? I guess, you have to give some leeway--she's obviously been through a lot by that time and doesn't want to cope with life. Didn't you think the third book was darker than the others? And wasn't it awful when Katniss agreed to some Hunger Games for the Capitol people's children? Well, it was true that she needed Peeta with his peaceful ways and loving devotion. I almost want to say she didn't deserve him, but then again, she did save him many times too. I loved the last line of the book where he asks if her love is real or not real. I cried. I really liked Finnick's character. I was sorry he had to die. The arena in the 2nd book was so creative. Book two may be my favorite. The third was my least favorite. When do you think kids are old enough to read these books? Luke, our almost-11-year-old, is starting the first. With the third being so much darker (with Finnick's revelation of how he was used sexually, especially) I'm not sure he's ready for that one.

In life, do you ever find yourself trying to find the balance between the Capitol's carefree, shallow, party lifestyle and District 13's structure, discipline and frugality? I feel like that's a big part of life. We're supposed to teach our kids to work and not waste, but we also teach them to partake of and create beauty. I know people who make up parties all the time (one of my friends celebrates each first day of the month with her family) just for a chance to celebrate! Sometime I get so bogged down in getting everything done (checked off my mental list) that I use absolutely no creativity at all. I have to remind myself that there are other ways, that flexibility is a virtue, and that my life can be funner than I'm letting it be. I get the feeling, also, that there are those in life who have no problem finding the fun and need to remind themselves that by adhering to a schedule or list, they can accomplish more and feel calmer about life when things start to feel crazy. I know I'm just rambling here, but if you've followed my stream of consciousness, I mean that we can all learn from each other and balance the carefree attitude with the structure and come up with something better than the extremes. One thing I want to do more with my kids (I know, this is a real tangent here) is have dance parties with them. When everyone is fighting or my 5-year-old is trying really hard to bug everyone in sight, I want to yell, "Dance Party," turn on some music, and dance our bad feelings away!

The End. Please comment!

AND, I'M REALLY EXCITED FOR THE MOVIE--IT'S NOT RATED YET, THOUGH....

I need my girls

Okay, ladies. Laurel here. I don't know if perhaps our group email thing isn't working right, or if some of you just haven't been on the computer recently, but, in any case, let me try this again.

There are some serious things happening in my life right now, and I need my girls.

We could do a dessert night at my parents. Or maybe a hot tub night at Sarah's or Marcy's? Meet for lunch at Michelle's? I don't care what it is, but I need you all to be there, if you can manage it, and it needs to be before next Friday, the 13th.

Possible? Call me, text me, email me - let me know. I can do any evening, and I can get away for lunch any day but Tuesday.