Marley & Me...

In my quest to become a reader in my middle age... a visiting teaching sister gave me a book in November.

"Marley & Me"

She suggested it to be a good read, well written, and said since I loved dogs so much, and owned labs, I would probably relate and really get into this book.

So since I knew I would have allot of traveling time to read I accepted it and packed it in my airplane bags. The day before I left, I heard on the television the movie would be coming out on Christmas. I was not sure if that was going to be motivation for me, or the end of my attempt to read the book, knowing I could go catch it on film and save me all the time and effort of having to actually read it.

I wanted to try, I didn't want to be a failure at this reading thing... and I admired my vt sister so much, I really wanted to be able to tell her, I did it, I read the book!

I took it out a few times to read on the plane, each time having to put it away after the inevitable sleepiness would come over me. But I did find myself loving the way it was written, and I could relate in the first chapters completely... especially when he described going to the breeders... and all the things they didn't exactly reveal about Marleys parents.

I found myself laughing and crying! Who knew you could laugh from reading a book, but laugh I did, and even out loud at times! I knew this would be good, if it were making me laugh out loud!!

Since I was traveling with my Mom, I tried to explain to her what a great book it was... having fun, talking about books all of a sudden. I knew she wouldn't be able to relate unless she was reading it too. So when I wasn't reading it, I let her read... but carefully watched to make sure she didn't pass me up, as I knew that would be the end of my reading... I would just ask her to tell me what happened and I wouldn't have to read it myself.

I am such a lazy reader, but I do know this about myself... so I am careful to avoid all the pitfalls. And there are many.

After many nights and plane trips and car rides later... I finally finished the book on New Years Eve... so I officially read an entire book in 2008! Silly I know, but quite an accomplishment for me!!! Really!!!!

Now I am ready to go see the movie... http://marleyandmemovie.com/

Knowing the sad parts, I am a little nervous, I am sure I will cry! And I hate to cry! But I can't wait to see the movie!

I have found the Authors blog and I love his writing so well, I can't wait to read all of his posts and especially anxious to read more about Woodson (I love that name) and Gracie his labs since Marley!

http://www.johngroganbooks.com/blog/index.html

New Years Eve Festivities...

As usual we had no plans for New Years Eve, except to be in bed early.

There was an Elders Quorum party, but we had decided not to attend.

The teenager was going to the Stake Youth New Years Eve Dance.

But earlier in the day, after talking to my sister and hearing about the special dinner she had planned for her husband. I thought, a special dinner, I could at least come up with that to bring in the New Year.

So after much pondering, I remembered the teenager and I used to love fondue... so we planned an entire meal around it.

I should have known that would be way too funky for my Strong Silent Mysterious Man... but he was kind of a good sport and ate some bread and a couple of meatballs dipped in the cheese. He wouldn't even try the chocolate though.
Oh well, more for us!

Then the teenager got ready and was off to the Stake Dance.

One of these days, he will be sorry for all the crummy pictures he leaves me with.

You can't tell from the scowl on his face, but he looked really handsome in his BYU tie. It was an entire ordeal, because normally our Stake dances are casual dress, and this one was being put on by other Stake and required church dress. Having a calling in the Stake I totally understood this request of the kids... but it was an all out fight at our house anyway.

.

He finally came around and agreed to be obedient to the rules... it would have been very undesirable for me to have him get his way and try and sneak in past our Stake President like he thought he was going to try. So I was extremely pleased he finally came around and was complient... and I hate to say I told you so, but he wasn't the ONLY ONE at the dance who had to wear a tie. They required it of everyone, just like I told him. One of these days I wish we could just get there without all the lip.

Life just isn't lived until you live it with a teenager in your home.

The biggest partying going on at our house was Morgan with her new toy.

None of the other dogs, really love the stuffed toys, but Morgan adores them...

I found a basket of them at Walmart for .50 each after Christmas...

So she stayed up waiting for the teenager to get home and brought in the New Year, playing with her new toy by the front door for hours!

2009 ~ Happy New Year!