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.

upcoming Christmas party

We've emailed a bit about this, but I wondered if not everyone is seeing the email (Melissa - it says "bounced" for yours - so that's one), so I thought I'd put a little something on the blog.

We're talking about Tues, Dec 13th, or thereabouts, for the Christmas party. Something in that week, anyway, if that works for everyone? I've only have one negative response for the 13th so far, so that might stick. But I'm open for the 14th or 15th as well, if those nights work better. So please take a look at your calendars and let me know!

It will be at The Manor again, like last year.

White Elephant gift exchange. (I promise, I'm done with embarrassing items. I have mine already, and it's not even remotely "questionable" in nature.)
Bring a treat to share (or did we want to do a dinner? soup & salad?).
Other gifting is entirely optional, so don't feel like you have to come up with something if that's not your thing, or if you're just feeling overwhelmed. Those of us that like to gift stuff won't be offended, promise.

Matched

Matched is our current selection. Orem and Provo Libraries have at least 20 copies each, but you'll need to put a Hold on it if you want it - it's popular!

We'll meet to discuss the book in January (correct me if I got that wrong), and we'll have our Christmas party in December, at Stately Jorgensen Manor (my parents house - same as last year) with no pressure to talk about the book.

We should get that party calendared now, before everyone has too many other obligations. Votes? Preferences?

The Egg & I

So, I think I sorta forced the gals to agree with my choice for our next book, but I think you'll all enjoy it.

I thought of it back when Liz got her chickens, and went in search of it, hoping against hope that it was still in print (it's older - from the 30's, I believe). Amazingly, it had been re-printed in the late 80's, so I was able to get a copy from B&N. Perhaps Borders will have one going cheap as they go out of business?

Provo and Orem Libraries only have one copy each, but my copy should be available pretty soon, so let me know if you want to borrow it.

It's one of my all-time favorite movies. Maybe we can watch the movie when we get together to talk about it?

The Devil in the White City

Remember when Lisa gave us a list of books her trusted ward members loved? This was on the list. It was a fascinating read. I own it, so if anyone wants to read it, you can borrow mine. It's partly about a real-live murderer, so it's a bit disturbing, but it's a really interesting slice of our nation's history.

Chuck-a-rama April!

Pavilion of Women (for May/June)

Ladies, we had a fabulous time last night out at Chuck-A-Rama in Draper!
(insert cute photo here - I didn't take one, but a couple others did)

We really enjoyed just chatting and being with each other, with a smattering of book-related discussion thrown in just for good measure.

For our next meet-up, we'll read Pavilion of Women, by Pearl S Buck.

Orem and Provo libraries each have only one copy, sadly, so some may have to purchase this one.

We'll meet up on Thursday, June 9th,* 7-ish, have take-out of the Oriental persuasion, and hang out in Sar's hot tub!

*Sar &tc gone the 23rd, her Sis the 16th, so we backed it up to the 9th - which we hope works for most of us?

Darcy Trilogy

I think you all know that I'm a die-hard P&P fan, so it was fun to pick up these three books for more of a Darcy & Elizabeth fix. The trilogy shows what the life of a gentleman was back then, and frankly, it seems pretty darn frivolous and unfair by our standards: everyone who starts out as a servant remains so for the rest of his life; those born to privilege don't have to do anything except manage to dress well and not squander the family money. These books are well-written and entertaining. The second one, though, is simply filler, so I would suggest skipping it. It involves Darcy trying to forget Elizabeth (it does have a great title--Duty and Desire) and being entranced by a dangerous woman named Sylvanie. You'll grow to appreciate some new characters in this version of the story--particularly Darcy's astute valet and his heroic friend (who seems so much cooler than Darcy when you get to know what he's really about). Still, when the last book came to an end for me, I was still touched by the beauty of love won, and I appreciated seeing Darcy's change from book I to book III as he softens. Has anyone else read these?

March/April reading

As previously mentioned via email, we're reading Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls

and we'll be meeting at Chuck-A-Rama in Draper on the 4th Thursday in April, 7pm (see email for address, etc.)

I've just finished with this, so if you'd like to borrow it, just let me know! I loved every minute of it.

(It's sitting on the table by the front door, should anyone wish to take their chances at dropping by to get it - the Twins are generally at home.)

Miss my girls!

Hey ladies!

It's February, so unless you met secretly last month, it's time to meet again this month, right?. Is there a book out there I should be reading? I just read my Christmas book (late, I know. I'm really behind these days) by Richard Paul Evans-- Promise Me. It's about love, of course--- fitting for the month. I love his books because I can read through them pretty quickly and I love a good candy read when I haven't had the chance to read in a while.

Where to have book club?? Jorgensen Castle? The Chocolate in Orem is a delightful and delicious place. My home is open. Should we venture up to Kiki's or Marcy's way perhaps?

Miss your guts, lovely Bookettes!!  I have your Christmas gift and my shower thank you's to deliver (still. So embarassing. you think I could just put a stamp on them and mail them, right?!)

I'm thinking it'd be fun to Bookette party anyway....hot tubbing, Just Dance on the Wii, and food that you all bring because it is always SO delish.

Amazing Grace

Sadly, I haven't read anything in a while, but I did enjoy this movie last night: Amazing Grace. I highly recommend it.