Thursday, March 1, 2012
GOODBYE
I am combining my personal blog with my giveaway blog. I don't post as often on this one, and very few of you read or comment on this blog, so this one will no longer be updated. Please follow me at The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. Thanks!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
FINALLY!
For the first time ever in his short, little life, Caden slept the whole night in his bed without waking up even once! Unfortunately for me, I went to bed late, I woke up often worried about him, and Caden got up early, so I still didn't get great sleep. But I'm glad he finally slept through the entire night! He has been sleeping better overall too and sleeping longer in his bed. He really loves it and has only fallen off two other times besides the first time. I hope these sleep changes last!
His eating habits have also improved. He is still a little picky, but is eating all his favorite foods again and is always hungry. The only thing we still need to work on is weaning (keep all your judgments to yourself, thank you very much). We are down to four a day, and for all but the first (when he wakes up--it's like his morning coffee; he's grumpy without it) he has to eat food before nursing. He still nurses at night for a couple minutes to fall back asleep, but with these sleep changes, hopefully no longer!
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| Wearing 6-9 month pants. They looked like skinny jeans on him! |
p.s. Please enter my current giveaway! I really need support in this one and it's a really cool product, especially for you mommies with two or more kids!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sweet & Simple Valentine's Day
For Valentine's Day, we invited Adam and Kirsten and another couple, the Sants, for a romantic dinner and dessert at our place, no kids. I decorated simply for lack of time and played some big band swing. We all dressed up as if we were going out for a night on the town, and I took photos of each couple.
Justin looked so hot! He wore his wedding shoes, which he hasn't in a long while.
We have a special table Justin's grandfather made: it has a griddle in the middle. We made meat and vegetables dipped in a secret-family-recipe Asian sauce.
We finished the night with some simple chocolate fondue and strawberries, pineapple, marshmallows, and Rice Krispie treats. The night was a great success of free fun for everyone!
Justin looked so hot! He wore his wedding shoes, which he hasn't in a long while.
We have a special table Justin's grandfather made: it has a griddle in the middle. We made meat and vegetables dipped in a secret-family-recipe Asian sauce.
Next we played The Newlywed Game and we won! Yes, I wrote the quiz, but I promise I picked questions that I didn't know the answer to. The truth is we didn't do awesome, the other couples just did worse than we did.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Blessing in Disguise
In December, Justin was in a car accident that destroyed our car, but thankfully only left Justin with a headache. We had no idea what we were going to do. We had trouble with both our and the other person's insurances getting a rental car, so we were carless for nearly a week. I felt that everything would work out ok and I tried reassuring Justin.
We got a very large check from our insurance, so the Tuesday after the accident Justin wanted to go look at cars. I hate car shopping. We did it the summer I was pregnant and ended up with what Justin's parents found anyway. But it was good day to go since we had a lot of time and it was rainy so the dealerships wouldn't be busy. We borrowed the car we gave to Adam and Kirsten and went to a Toyota/Scion dealership to look for a Toyota Corolla. I was determined to buy new--I was done with used cars!
Immediately I was impressed with the dealership: they had an indoor pirate ship play area for kids. I was able to keep Caden occupied while Justin test drove cars.
Although I made it clear I wanted new, the lady helping us said she had a used 2010 Corolla in great shape and price. I hesitated, but the more I heard about the car, the more I liked it. It was basically the same as the new version but missing a couple fancy additions that I didn't care for anyway (like a sunroof). The mileage was low, the color was nice, and the price was very tempting. Justin and I both drove it and gave in. It was perfect for us! We weren't expecting to come home with a car that day.
With the insurance check, a small check from the other insurance company, tuition reimbursement after Justin's residency was approved, and savings, we were able to put down a very large down payment on the car that we would not have been able to otherwise. Our credit was approved for very low monthly payments and interest, something that other dealerships wouldn't do for us since our credit was based only on our credit cards and not any other loans or major purchases, even though our scores were excellent. We got a free meal while the paperwork was processed. Everything went down smoothly and the people we worked with were great.
This accident was a huge blessing in disguise. We have wanted to get a new (or better-quality used) car for a long time, but we never had enough money to put down to get affordable monthly payments. The money was always spent on fixing both of our used cars. The timing of the accident was perfect for us financially. It was surreal writing a check that big! I don't think we've ever had that much money in our account at once. We are so happy with the car and grateful to Heavenly Father for blessing us with the opportunity and means to get it.
We got a very large check from our insurance, so the Tuesday after the accident Justin wanted to go look at cars. I hate car shopping. We did it the summer I was pregnant and ended up with what Justin's parents found anyway. But it was good day to go since we had a lot of time and it was rainy so the dealerships wouldn't be busy. We borrowed the car we gave to Adam and Kirsten and went to a Toyota/Scion dealership to look for a Toyota Corolla. I was determined to buy new--I was done with used cars!
Immediately I was impressed with the dealership: they had an indoor pirate ship play area for kids. I was able to keep Caden occupied while Justin test drove cars.
Although I made it clear I wanted new, the lady helping us said she had a used 2010 Corolla in great shape and price. I hesitated, but the more I heard about the car, the more I liked it. It was basically the same as the new version but missing a couple fancy additions that I didn't care for anyway (like a sunroof). The mileage was low, the color was nice, and the price was very tempting. Justin and I both drove it and gave in. It was perfect for us! We weren't expecting to come home with a car that day.
With the insurance check, a small check from the other insurance company, tuition reimbursement after Justin's residency was approved, and savings, we were able to put down a very large down payment on the car that we would not have been able to otherwise. Our credit was approved for very low monthly payments and interest, something that other dealerships wouldn't do for us since our credit was based only on our credit cards and not any other loans or major purchases, even though our scores were excellent. We got a free meal while the paperwork was processed. Everything went down smoothly and the people we worked with were great.
This accident was a huge blessing in disguise. We have wanted to get a new (or better-quality used) car for a long time, but we never had enough money to put down to get affordable monthly payments. The money was always spent on fixing both of our used cars. The timing of the accident was perfect for us financially. It was surreal writing a check that big! I don't think we've ever had that much money in our account at once. We are so happy with the car and grateful to Heavenly Father for blessing us with the opportunity and means to get it.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Boogie No More
Disco is my favorite music. It's Caden's too. In fact, it's the only music he will listen to (besides Primary songs). I am so disco'd out from listening to it everyday on Pandora for at least an hour. But it keeps him quiet and happy so I can get things done. I'm caught in a "boogie" trap and I don't know how to get out!
Post title from "Boogie Oogie Oogie" by A Taste of Honey.
Post title from "Boogie Oogie Oogie" by A Taste of Honey.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
My Etsy Shop Giveaway
Three weeks ago I opened my own Etsy shop, The Shop at Pooh Corner, selling vintage books and toys and some handmade paper products. I've already had four sales! Now I'm doing my first giveaway on my other blog, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, for Valentine's day. Hope you enter!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
I HATE Teething!
I forgot to post that about a month ago I realized Caden hadn't sucked on his fingers for a long time. Good thing I didn't. He has a tooth coming in that is making him miserable. He's back to finger sucking and hardly wanting to eat. Our progress with night weaning is down the drain. He has a low grade fever, which he always gets from teething. He is fussy and even more sensitive and demanding than usual. I HATE TEETHING!
p.s. Yes, I feel bad for him too. But he won't even remember this time and he only has to go through it once. I will remember and will have to go through it with each child.
p.s. Yes, I feel bad for him too. But he won't even remember this time and he only has to go through it once. I will remember and will have to go through it with each child.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
New Challenges
Last night we decided to turn Caden's crib into a toddler bed to see if it would help him sleep better since he loves our bed so much. Caden was super excited:
Justin said it was easier putting him in bed. All was well--until ten o'clock when we heard a very loud thunk and then crying. Caden had rolled off! I tried getting him back in his bed by lying with him, but every time I tried moving away he woke up, so I took him to our bed.
I want Justin to put the crib back together. He doesn't want to and would rather buy side rails. I am a little upset because last month I bought a toddler bed in great condition for $9 at the thrift store and it had sides. Justin didn't want to keep it so I gave it away to someone gathering Christmas gifts for kids in need. I really regret not keeping it now. I doubt I will ever find such a deal again!
In other news, Caden has entered the picky eating stage and it is driving me crazy. Most of his favorite foods he won't eat anymore, and the ones he will eat he won't eat all the time. He likes to take a few bites and then spit out the next spoonful (if I'm feeding him) or play with the rest and throw it on the floor (if he's feeding himself). It is so frustrating. And of course he's hungry all the time since he barely eats, which means more opportunities for both of us to get frustrated.
On a positive note, Caden now signs eat consistently and has been saying yes for the past month. He likes to climb in and out of his infant bath tub, walk backwards, make himself dizzy from spinning, listen to me play the flute, and climb onto the chairs by himself and get into trouble. His new favorite book is Five Little Monkeys, which Auntie Kirsten got him for Christmas. He points and shakes his finger in a scolding manner when the doctor says, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
p.s. He just took a 2-hour nap in his bed without falling off!
Justin said it was easier putting him in bed. All was well--until ten o'clock when we heard a very loud thunk and then crying. Caden had rolled off! I tried getting him back in his bed by lying with him, but every time I tried moving away he woke up, so I took him to our bed.
I want Justin to put the crib back together. He doesn't want to and would rather buy side rails. I am a little upset because last month I bought a toddler bed in great condition for $9 at the thrift store and it had sides. Justin didn't want to keep it so I gave it away to someone gathering Christmas gifts for kids in need. I really regret not keeping it now. I doubt I will ever find such a deal again!
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| Caden had climbed in by himself. He hates the carseat! |
In other news, Caden has entered the picky eating stage and it is driving me crazy. Most of his favorite foods he won't eat anymore, and the ones he will eat he won't eat all the time. He likes to take a few bites and then spit out the next spoonful (if I'm feeding him) or play with the rest and throw it on the floor (if he's feeding himself). It is so frustrating. And of course he's hungry all the time since he barely eats, which means more opportunities for both of us to get frustrated.
On a positive note, Caden now signs eat consistently and has been saying yes for the past month. He likes to climb in and out of his infant bath tub, walk backwards, make himself dizzy from spinning, listen to me play the flute, and climb onto the chairs by himself and get into trouble. His new favorite book is Five Little Monkeys, which Auntie Kirsten got him for Christmas. He points and shakes his finger in a scolding manner when the doctor says, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
p.s. He just took a 2-hour nap in his bed without falling off!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Colorful Surnames
Just a werid, random thought:
I've met a Mrs. Green, Mrs. Black, Mrs. White, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Gray/Grey. But I've never met a Mrs. Blue, Mrs. Red, Mrs. Yellow, Mrs. Pink, Mrs. Purple, or Mrs. Orange. And I know a Mrs. Goldman and a Ms. Silverman but not just Gold or Silver.
I've met a Mrs. Green, Mrs. Black, Mrs. White, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Gray/Grey. But I've never met a Mrs. Blue, Mrs. Red, Mrs. Yellow, Mrs. Pink, Mrs. Purple, or Mrs. Orange. And I know a Mrs. Goldman and a Ms. Silverman but not just Gold or Silver.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Caden's First Movie
Yesterday on a whim we decided to go the movies--with Caden. Last time we tried that was for Justin's birthday, and Caden and I spent almost the whole time in the hallway. This time we thought he might be more interested, at least in the popcorn (one of his favorite foods) if not the movie. We picked Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, because we liked the first two and it was very kid friendly. Caden sat in a booster seat between us with a box full of popcorn. The movie started and he was mesmerized. The screen was so big! And he went to town with the popcorn. He'd grab a fistful, stick it all in his mouth, including his fist, and then repeat. (Let me tell ya, his diaper this morning was extra gross!) He did well for most of the movie. Towards the end he was a little antsy, but he stayed quiet and manageable. It was really fun! I am so glad we found a new family activity, because Justin and I really miss going to the movies. However, we can only see kid films with Caden. Still, dollar theater, here we come!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Caden's First Haircut
Justin and I both decided it was time for the little boy to lose his locks. On Friday we went to Cool Cuts for Kids, and let me tell you, it really is for kids! The barber chairs are child sized and some of them are little cars with steering wheels. Each station has a TV and bubbles, and the waiting area has toys and XBOX video games.
Caden liked the car, but as soon as the lady put the cape on him, he tore it off. We had to button all six buttons to keep it on. Then she spritzed his hair with water and started snipping.
And Caden started crying.
He went back and forth the whole time, crying and then stopping, and then randomly starting again. I blew bubbles since Caden isn't really into TV yet.
The lady kept some of his curls to put in a special kit she gave us: a certificate with a window for the hair and a place for a photo; we just need to frame it.
All his natural curls came out! He kind of has a little, curly mohawk.
Although it was expensive, I am glad we went to a kid-friendly salon instead of a regular one for the first time. No need to worry about keeping him sitting in a chair or distracting him or if the stylist had ever cut a toddler's hair before. And now that I know how he will react, I think we'll stick to the kid-friendly place.
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| Happy at first. |
Caden liked the car, but as soon as the lady put the cape on him, he tore it off. We had to button all six buttons to keep it on. Then she spritzed his hair with water and started snipping.
And Caden started crying.
He went back and forth the whole time, crying and then stopping, and then randomly starting again. I blew bubbles since Caden isn't really into TV yet.
The lady kept some of his curls to put in a special kit she gave us: a certificate with a window for the hair and a place for a photo; we just need to frame it.
All his natural curls came out! He kind of has a little, curly mohawk.
Although it was expensive, I am glad we went to a kid-friendly salon instead of a regular one for the first time. No need to worry about keeping him sitting in a chair or distracting him or if the stylist had ever cut a toddler's hair before. And now that I know how he will react, I think we'll stick to the kid-friendly place.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
"Mom, Mom, Mom"
(Not the best quality, but the only one without ads.)
I've never watched Family Guy, but I've seen this clip. This is so Caden right now! He also will say "hi, hi, hi"over and over until I say "hi" back.
Friday, December 30, 2011
2011 Resolutions Report
At the beginning of 2011, we planned five individual and five family goals. (Read about Caden's here.) These were my five goals for 2011 and how I did:
- Exercise 3 or more times a week: I ran 3 times a week until June when it got too hot. Justin and I went to the gym together a few times during the summer. Once the weather cooled down, I started running again but not consistently. Then a couple months ago I met another running mom at our playgroup and we ran three times a week together until Christmas break. We plan on continuing next year.
- Submit 4 manuscripts to magazines: I submitted much more than that, and all but the ones to Jen Magazine (an LDS online fashion magazine) were rejected. However, Jen has only published one of my articles so far. I'm going to submit more articles to Highlights next year.
- Watch less TV: Accomplished. There are still shows I watch by myself or with Justin, but in control and sometimes later online when I/we have time. Sleep and chores come first!
- Read the scriptures daily: This went up and down all year. Right now it's up from Christmas guilt. I need to improve significantly.
- Be more affectionate; no nagging: Justin's assessment: "Combined rating of B+. Much improvement from last year."
- Clean the house: I did great all year. I cleaned the kitchen every day and stayed on top of laundry. I cleaned the bathroom and vacuumed more often. The only area I can still improve in is filing papers--my worst nightmare!
- Budget: For the most part we were strict. We had a lot of car troubles this year that cost us and were able to pay off all of them. The only time we did bad was eating out a lot in October and November.
- Go to the temple monthly: FAIL. I don't even remember the last time we went. And we still haven't finished renewing our recommends. Embarrassing.
- Have consistent family prayer, scripture study, and FHE. Family prayer and scripture study have been daily. We still need to work on FHE.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Home for the Holidays
Thanksgiving
I actually helped with the turkey this year, but I'm still too scared to do it all. Adam and Kirsten joined us and brought yummy apple caramel pie. The boys played a lot of Settlers of Catan. Dad and I tied in Scrabble, with Constance not far behind. Mom and I scored thrift store shopping as usual. Caden went for a swim with Grandpa and enjoyed the hot tub with Daddy (no worries, only his legs were in for a few minutes to warm him up after the cool-night swim).
Pre-Christmas Activities
The ward party was alright. We only stayed for the food. We didn't feel like doing Santa this year, although Caden probably wouldn't have cried. I went to an ugly ornament exchange with Kirsten. It was really fun. I love our girls' nights out!
We finally put up our tree the week before Christmas. Of course, Caden was interested in taking everything down, so we put all the ornaments high up. That along with the carpet being uneven, our tree looks funny.
Justin's work party was better this year. We left Caden with a sitter and he did great. The food was delicious. There was music, and after much begging, Justin danced with me. Adam danced one samba with me. We didn't win any raffle prizes at the party for the second year in a row. Adam won headphones.
Caden got sick. Another double ear infection. Worse than last time, because he woke up every hour or less for a few nights in a row. Needless to say, I was a very cranky zombie mom. Then he reacted to the antibiotics and we had to go back to the ER on Christmas Eve to check it out and switch meds.
Christmas Eve night we saw the lights and nativities at the Mesa Temple/Visitor's Center with Adam and Kirsten. We never go at the right time for the concerts; we're usually too early or too late. Caden had fun walking up and down the stairs. Afterward we went to Adam and Kirsten's for dinner (or breakfast, really) with the missionaries and exchanged gifts. They got me A Muppet Christmas Carol, a family tradition which I missed. (We got them their Christmas tree and some ornaments in November).
Christmas Day
Christmas morning Caden ran straight to the little armchair we bought him.
We spoiled him this year, though besides the chair I only spent $25 on him--everything was secondhand. He got bath toys, a truck, 3 puzzles, tons of books, and a riding car/walker. The car is his favorite. He got toys, clothes, books, and stuffed animals from family and friends. He got to open those with Grandma and Keilani watching via Skype on Adam's laptop. He wasn't too into unwrapping, but he did help clean it up.
I think everyone was very happy with their presents and had a good time.
I actually helped with the turkey this year, but I'm still too scared to do it all. Adam and Kirsten joined us and brought yummy apple caramel pie. The boys played a lot of Settlers of Catan. Dad and I tied in Scrabble, with Constance not far behind. Mom and I scored thrift store shopping as usual. Caden went for a swim with Grandpa and enjoyed the hot tub with Daddy (no worries, only his legs were in for a few minutes to warm him up after the cool-night swim).
Pre-Christmas Activities
The ward party was alright. We only stayed for the food. We didn't feel like doing Santa this year, although Caden probably wouldn't have cried. I went to an ugly ornament exchange with Kirsten. It was really fun. I love our girls' nights out!
We finally put up our tree the week before Christmas. Of course, Caden was interested in taking everything down, so we put all the ornaments high up. That along with the carpet being uneven, our tree looks funny.
Justin's work party was better this year. We left Caden with a sitter and he did great. The food was delicious. There was music, and after much begging, Justin danced with me. Adam danced one samba with me. We didn't win any raffle prizes at the party for the second year in a row. Adam won headphones.
Caden got sick. Another double ear infection. Worse than last time, because he woke up every hour or less for a few nights in a row. Needless to say, I was a very cranky zombie mom. Then he reacted to the antibiotics and we had to go back to the ER on Christmas Eve to check it out and switch meds.
Christmas Eve night we saw the lights and nativities at the Mesa Temple/Visitor's Center with Adam and Kirsten. We never go at the right time for the concerts; we're usually too early or too late. Caden had fun walking up and down the stairs. Afterward we went to Adam and Kirsten's for dinner (or breakfast, really) with the missionaries and exchanged gifts. They got me A Muppet Christmas Carol, a family tradition which I missed. (We got them their Christmas tree and some ornaments in November).
Christmas Day
Christmas morning Caden ran straight to the little armchair we bought him.
We spoiled him this year, though besides the chair I only spent $25 on him--everything was secondhand. He got bath toys, a truck, 3 puzzles, tons of books, and a riding car/walker. The car is his favorite. He got toys, clothes, books, and stuffed animals from family and friends. He got to open those with Grandma and Keilani watching via Skype on Adam's laptop. He wasn't too into unwrapping, but he did help clean it up.
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| Justin's favorite present from me. Caden thinks it's funny and loves to retrieve the darts. |
The biggest surprise for us was a present from Justin's parents: an XBOX 360 and Kinect. I'm really excited about the Kinect; Justin and I love playing it at Best Buy. However, Justin and I still need to discuss rules and allowed games. We also got a lot of money from family and Justin's clients and are saving it for a new TV.
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| new church clothes from Adam & Kirsten |
After presents was church for a *cough* unique Christmas program. Then we all napped. Kirsten and Adam came over. I made lasagna for the first time for dinner and it came out great! We had cheesecake for dessert. The others watched the Packers game. We watched A Muppet Christmas Carol here and there throughout the night.
I think everyone was very happy with their presents and had a good time.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Crazy Caden
Time for another update on Caden!
He makes his goldfish swim before putting them into his mouth.
He is obsessed with spoons and has to hold one all the time. If he sees a spoon, he wants it.
He dumps all the water out his bathtub with a cup and then likes to fill up his cup when I refill the tub.
He likes to hide in my closet, behind doors, or under blankets and play peek-a-boo.
He is back to sleeping in his crib during naptime and a couple hours at night. He has been sleeping in a lot lately. Yesterday he slept in until 10!
He likes to turn on and off the lights. He likes to turn off the power cord (and thus the computer). I let him do it at night, but sometimes he sneaks up on me and does it during the day too, like right now.
Yesterday he started knocking on doors and walls.
He tries to comb his hair with Justin's comb.
He signs milk and please all the time, potty and all done sometimes, and more rarely. I'm trying to teach him eat again and he does it after I do it, but not on his own.
He knows when he misbehaves and laughs mischeviously. When I want him to calm down when he's throwing a tantrum, he laughs whiningly instead. If I tell him not to go somewhere he'll do it so I will chase him. We're working on not screaming. If I ask him to ask for something nicely he will, but he usually screams first. Overall, he's a very silly, energetic, headstrong kid with a sweet side.
At his 15-month appointment a few weeks ago, he weighed 23 lbs. and measured 31 in., both 50 percentile. His head was in the 90 percentile!
He loves clapping. If he hears cheering on TV, if someone says yay, or if he does something he thinks is cool, he starts clapping and smiling.
He waves goodbye really adorably, sometimes with both hands.
He points at everything and asks, "Szat?" (What's that?).
He still spins around for dancing, but also bounces up and down and marches. If he hears any music, he starts dancing.
He knows where his belly button, nose, and toes are.
He likes to stand up in his high chair, stand on regular chairs, climb on everything still, and fall down on our bed.
He loves the playground and is absolutely fearless going down slides, running across the shaky bridge, and climbing up and down.
He loves the playground and is absolutely fearless going down slides, running across the shaky bridge, and climbing up and down.
He can follow directions, though he doesn't always do so. His favorite thing to do is get his socks because then he knows we are going outside.
He is still very clingy, but he is getting better.
He loves staying in Nursery while I set up and gets upset when I take him out. I hope it lasts once it's really time for him to go in!
He loves, loves butter. If something has butter on or in it, he'll eat it.
He eats more adult food and only eats vegetable/meat baby food, though sometimes I can get him to eat the real deal if I'm eating it or if it's mixed in with rice. If he doesn't like it, he has no qualms spitting it out. Gross!
He knows how to use a play phone. It's so cute seeing him try to put it to his ear but miss and get the back of his neck instead.
He likes to hide in my closet, behind doors, or under blankets and play peek-a-boo.
He is back to sleeping in his crib during naptime and a couple hours at night. He has been sleeping in a lot lately. Yesterday he slept in until 10!
He likes to push our nose and hear us say honk or beep.
He is getting two more top teeth. Once I figured that out, he started sleeping better.
Yesterday he started knocking on doors and walls.
He tries to comb his hair with Justin's comb.
He signs milk and please all the time, potty and all done sometimes, and more rarely. I'm trying to teach him eat again and he does it after I do it, but not on his own.
He knows when he misbehaves and laughs mischeviously. When I want him to calm down when he's throwing a tantrum, he laughs whiningly instead. If I tell him not to go somewhere he'll do it so I will chase him. We're working on not screaming. If I ask him to ask for something nicely he will, but he usually screams first. Overall, he's a very silly, energetic, headstrong kid with a sweet side.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Breaking Dawn
Last one:
*All these years I've heard the hype over a supposed sex scene. I should've listened to Kaitlyn, my former movie/book screener. As she said, it was all implied.
*I enjoyed reading from Jacob's point of view. Until the birth scene. Parents are worried about the honeymoon? The birth was extremely graphic and disturbing (not a normal human birth).
*And the book gets even more twisted. I feel like there was a huge maturity jump from book three to book four. The first three books were teen romances. The fourth is more adult themed and dark. People say the same about Harry Potter, but I disagree. Harry Potter's knowledge and responsibilities mature as he matures in order to defeat Voldemort. The dark undertones were always there, but were made more manifest as the time got closer for Harry to battle You-Know-Who. However, each book also remains fun and enjoyable for all ages.
*Debating whether or not to finish reading the book . . . nope, not finishing it. I have better ways to spend my time. I'll just ask my friend how it ends.
*Overall: Weird and disturbing.
*Series Overall: The first three were entertaining. I probably would have enjoyed them more as a middle schooler, when I was into teen romances. I still don't understand the obsession in women my age or older. I may watch the first two or three movies, but maybe not. The saga was nowhere near as genius or addicting as the Harry Potter series. Apples to oranges? Maybe. But HP forever for me!
*All these years I've heard the hype over a supposed sex scene. I should've listened to Kaitlyn, my former movie/book screener. As she said, it was all implied.
*I enjoyed reading from Jacob's point of view. Until the birth scene. Parents are worried about the honeymoon? The birth was extremely graphic and disturbing (not a normal human birth).
*And the book gets even more twisted. I feel like there was a huge maturity jump from book three to book four. The first three books were teen romances. The fourth is more adult themed and dark. People say the same about Harry Potter, but I disagree. Harry Potter's knowledge and responsibilities mature as he matures in order to defeat Voldemort. The dark undertones were always there, but were made more manifest as the time got closer for Harry to battle You-Know-Who. However, each book also remains fun and enjoyable for all ages.
*Debating whether or not to finish reading the book . . . nope, not finishing it. I have better ways to spend my time. I'll just ask my friend how it ends.
*Overall: Weird and disturbing.
*Series Overall: The first three were entertaining. I probably would have enjoyed them more as a middle schooler, when I was into teen romances. I still don't understand the obsession in women my age or older. I may watch the first two or three movies, but maybe not. The saga was nowhere near as genius or addicting as the Harry Potter series. Apples to oranges? Maybe. But HP forever for me!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Eclipse
Finished Eclipse last night:
*Edward is too overprotective and controlling.
*Minus points for Jacob for the forced kiss; plus points for Edward for defending her and for being more civil and flexible. Although Jacob shouldn't have kissed her and he deserved the punch, Bella overreacted overall.
*I don't have problems with Bella's insecurities. I hate how incredibly manipulative and selfish she is and that she knows it and hates it, but not enough to change. What do those guys see in her, really?
*Too much mushy stuff. Let's get to the action!
*Poor Jacob.
*Never mind. Didn't like how he manipulated Bella. On the other hand, it was nice seeing her have a taste of her own medicine.
*I'm liking Edward more, but I'm still team Jacob.
*Finally some action!
*Alice is my favorite character.
Only one more to go! And then the movies.
*Edward is too overprotective and controlling.
*Minus points for Jacob for the forced kiss; plus points for Edward for defending her and for being more civil and flexible. Although Jacob shouldn't have kissed her and he deserved the punch, Bella overreacted overall.
*I don't have problems with Bella's insecurities. I hate how incredibly manipulative and selfish she is and that she knows it and hates it, but not enough to change. What do those guys see in her, really?
*Too much mushy stuff. Let's get to the action!
*Poor Jacob.
*Never mind. Didn't like how he manipulated Bella. On the other hand, it was nice seeing her have a taste of her own medicine.
*I'm liking Edward more, but I'm still team Jacob.
*Finally some action!
*Alice is my favorite character.
Only one more to go! And then the movies.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Bikinis
If I've offended anybody, I'm not sorry! I am just so shocked how many LDS women wear bikinis. (Clarification: I'm not judging converts' or members' rebellious pasts, but you should know better now.) I thought bikinis being immodest was a "duh" fact. I'm glad I have never worn a bikini. I have worn a tankini, but the top covered my tummy and the bottom was boy shorts. What is so wrong with a one piece anyway? There are so many cute styles these days.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
New Moon
So I just finished the second book in the Twilight series. Thoughts:
*I am so team Jacob. I won't go into detail, but I like him so much more than Edward. I think Edward is an idiot. Too bad I already know Bella chooses him instead.
*I wish the author explained more about werewolves like she did with vampires in the first book. So many unanswered questions.
*I like Bella better in this book. She is more complex, interesting, and real.
*And the vampires return. I was liking the werewolf storyline better. Maybe I'm a little biased because I have a hot Native American husband. Nah, I would still like it better.
*The Volturi part was dumb.
*The ending was even dumber.
*Overall: More intriguing and well written than the first.
*I am so team Jacob. I won't go into detail, but I like him so much more than Edward. I think Edward is an idiot. Too bad I already know Bella chooses him instead.
*I wish the author explained more about werewolves like she did with vampires in the first book. So many unanswered questions.
*I like Bella better in this book. She is more complex, interesting, and real.
*And the vampires return. I was liking the werewolf storyline better. Maybe I'm a little biased because I have a hot Native American husband. Nah, I would still like it better.
*The Volturi part was dumb.
*The ending was even dumber.
*Overall: More intriguing and well written than the first.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Twilight
In all these years, I've escaped reading and watching the Twilight series. My curiosity finally got the better of me and I decided to read Twilight. I finished it a week ago and now I am reading New Moon. I will post my thoughts on each book, so here is what I was thinking while reading the first:
*Not understanding the tree of knowledge reference and apple on the cover. Some help please?
*Is this all going to be high school, love-triangle drama? I feel so juvenile reading this. Why are so many women older than me obsessed?
*Edward isn't as romantic as everyone has made him out to be.
*We're on page a million and what and nothing's happened yet? On the other hand, I appreciate all the dialogue and the explanations of the vampire world. It's fascinating discovering the author's made-up world.
*Finally some action and suspense!
*The end is like a Law & Order: SVU episode but with vampires.
*Overall: Good book and very entertaining, but I don't get the huge cult following.
I like to watch movie versions of books immediately after reading the book to compare and contrast them, especially in a series when I'm likely to forget more details, but I don't know who has the movies. I'll have to figure that out soon.
I'll let you know what I'm thinking of New Moon once I finish it, but I will say that so far it is better than Twilight!
*Not understanding the tree of knowledge reference and apple on the cover. Some help please?
*Is this all going to be high school, love-triangle drama? I feel so juvenile reading this. Why are so many women older than me obsessed?
*Edward isn't as romantic as everyone has made him out to be.
*We're on page a million and what and nothing's happened yet? On the other hand, I appreciate all the dialogue and the explanations of the vampire world. It's fascinating discovering the author's made-up world.
*Finally some action and suspense!
*The end is like a Law & Order: SVU episode but with vampires.
*Overall: Good book and very entertaining, but I don't get the huge cult following.
I like to watch movie versions of books immediately after reading the book to compare and contrast them, especially in a series when I'm likely to forget more details, but I don't know who has the movies. I'll have to figure that out soon.
I'll let you know what I'm thinking of New Moon once I finish it, but I will say that so far it is better than Twilight!
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