And They Were Not Ashamed: Strengthening Marriage Through Sexual Fulfillment

And They Were Not Ashamed: Strengthening Marriage Through Sexual Fulfillment by Laura M. Brotherson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so grateful I found this book.  About 6 months ago I was really frustrated with my relationship with my spouse.  We weren't on the verge of divorce or anything, but our relationship just wasn't what I felt like it could be.   I went online to look for some sort of self help books when I came across this book.  I read the other book reviews for the book and I knew it was exactly what I needed.
I read the first few chapters in a day or two.  All I could do was cry!  I cried for many reasons, peace at knowing someone understood how I felt.  I cried for joy to find something to really help me.  I cried out of frustration that I hadn't found the book sooner.
It has been 6 months and I just finished the whole book.  It has taken me a long time because I have been doing the "homework" assignments at the end of each chapter.  I still have a lot of progress to make, but I have made so many improvements I am so happy!
Our relationship is better now than ever!  I am so grateful Laura Brotherson took the time to write this book.  I highly recommend this book if you would like to improve your sexual relationship.  I also would recommend this book if you would like to be able to teach your children how to have a concrete understanding of the law of chastity.  
This book has been one of the most influential books I have ever read!


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Elizabeth Street

Elizabeth Street: A Novel Based On True Events by Laurie Fabiano
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book because it was so different from the other books I have read lately.  It was a breath of fresh air.
The story moves a little slow in the middle and it took me a while to get enough motivation to finish the book.  The end of the story moved quickly and I was able to finish the book quickly.   I got a little lost in all the Italian gang stuff.  I thought it was a little bit of a drag.
I loved Giovanna! The heart ache she suffered throughout her life brought tears to my eyes more than once.  I can see how the author wanted to document her great grandmother's and grandmother's story! It is truly inspiring!
I would recommend this book.  No explicit sex scenes and little to no swearing.


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Hour Game

Hour Game by David Baldacci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book because it gets moving really fast!  I think the first murder happens in the first chapter! I enjoyed the characters and the story.  It was predictable.  I am not good at predicting books so if I can figure out who the killer is I consider the book predictable!  There are some nice twists at the end and so even though I figured out who the killer was the story kept me engaged.  I would highly recommend this book!  No swearing and no explicit sex scenes.


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Brigham City Temple

We were so blessed to get the opportunity to tour the Brigham City Temple while we were in Utah.  The temple was beautiful!  We still feel like the Brigham City Temple is a part of us because it was announced while we were living in the Brigham City Temple district.  Our friends and neighbors are so lucky to have such a beautiful temple so close!  

I love the spirit of the temple.  I have tried to teach Grant the importance of the temple.  I was really excited for him to see the temple.

Grant liked the bus ride to the temple the best.

If the bus ride was the best part than the water fountain was the second favorite part.

Grant was a bit of a pill during the temple tour.  His face in the picture about does his attitude justice.  

My Birthday!

Every so often my birthday falls on Labor Day!  I have always loved my birthday falling on first weekend in September.  It is so much fun.  This year since we were in Utah we went on a hike in the morning.  

My in-laws took me out to lunch.  I love my in-laws.  I forgot to bring my camera so I didn't get any pictures.

Later during the day we had a picnic in my parents' back yard.  My parents' have the coolest back yard.  Years ago their raunchy neighbors thought my parents' yard was cutting into their property.  The neighbors paid for a surveyor to come and check the property lines.  Turns out my parents actually owned about 35 more feet at the end of their lot.  My parents decided to make their own little woods and picnic area.  Grant and Kyle were actually planning to camp in my parents' backyard, but the weather didn't cooperate.

Grant thought it was so fun to cook a hot dog in fire!  Oh!  I am in for it!  This was his first real experience with open flames and Grant was in heaven.  After everyone was done cooking hot dogs and marshmallows Grant threw some sticks and paper into the fire.  Grant was so amazed that a napkin turned all black!

The kids sat at the little picnic table!  Preston had to sit on the table because his little booster seat would stay on the bench.  Grant and Evelyn didn't mind.

Look at this cute boy! He loves his Auntie!

Here is Grant swinging on the swing set.  He was so proud because he could hang on with his big muscles and swing from his arms.

I love Preston's face in this picture!

Evelyn got this crazy idea to try and pick the leaves off of Granny's tree with her mouth.  We were all laughing because she could actually get the leaves with her teeth!

We had cake and ice cream for dessert!  It was so much fun celebrating with our family!  I had a fantastic birthday!

The Little Billy Goats

When we hiked up Waterfall Canyon there were some small wooden bridges.  The kids thought the bridges looked like the bridges in the story of Three Billy Goats Gruff.  They took turns pretending to be the troll and the cute little goats.

Grant was pouting and wouldn't pose for a cute Billy Goat Gruff picture.  But I wanted to post this picture because this is Kyle's favorite shirt.  Kyle says it's his motto, "Lazy but talented."

Eat To Live: Part 4

As I was reading this book I honestly felt like I was reading an in depth guide on the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom tells us to eat meat in moderation.  I don't know about you, but I could dare say our family eats meat at 2 out of 3 meals a day.  66% is not moderation!  Moderation is once every few days!
The Lord has told us to take care of our bodies.  I am going out on a limb here, but I think everyone would agree smoking is bad for our health.  However, I person who smokes casually (no more than a pack a day) and who eats very healthy has a longer life expectancy than someone who is obese and doesn't smoke! The smoker lives longer! Now don't go out and start smoking, but consider cleaning out  the freezer and cupboards of junk food!
I realize I sound a little preachy, but mostly I couldn't believe how bad some food is for us!
I am not perfect!  I still crave and eat food that is not healthy and has little to no nutritional value.  However, I have really made some major changes in my diet.  I have also tried to encourage my close family and friends to consider eating more healthy.  I have lots of family and friends who are struggle with a variety of diseases including, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and so on.  I want these people to be around for a long time!  I don't want to see them sick.  It breaks my heart to know that so much of these diseases are 100% preventable and even curable.  If you are reading this and have any of these health issues please know I love you and I want you to be healthy!