Bel Canto

So, a book review of Bel Canto. Anybody who frequents the playground knows that I was passionately in love with this book.

Until somewhere around page 235, I believe. When there was a half page scene that was tasteless and profane. But nevertheless I pushed on, hoping that it was not representative of what would come; I relied on the 234 EXCELLENT pages before that one to make a prediction that it would be worth it in the end.

I wish I had been right! There was more profanity. The ending was succinct but a little bland. The epilogue? Downright lamely written.

So, while I really liked the book until the last page of a chapter about 2/3 of the way through, I can't say I would recommend it to many friends.

That's what little boys are made of

Enjoy. This is just a snip of the hilarity that we see every day at the Coyne house. Love it!

Finally!

Two children who are THRILLED BEYOND BELIEF at the prospect of bathtime? I feel like I won the lottery.I cannot tell you how exciting it is that Guy is now HAPPY to take baths, and requests them even! He's showered or bathed every day this past week. All it took was the addition of one *very cute* baby brother. The best part is, two kids get cleaned in half the time!

A far cry (thankfully!) from the screams and tears of months past. Sincerest apologies to my neighbor Natalie, who has doubltess heard many a cry on Sunday mornings through our woefully thin bathroom walls.

A Ramble

Dinner with the other counselor in the singles ward bishopric, and his wife and ADORABLE 9 month-old little girl, went marvelously. It was very toasty in our apartment, but the food was good and we decided who is to speak on what on Sunday. So now I just have to write a talk.

Hell's Kitchen is starting a new season, so Josh and I need to decide whether or not we'll continue watching. As we've grown over the last few years we've been watching the show, we've come to realize that it certainly is not the most uplifting use of our leisure time.

I've abandoned the structured preschool format for Guy now, and instead we just read and read and read. I've checked out dozens of children's books from the library, and while most don't interest him we're up to 8 that deserve his attention.

It's hot. And I'm sweaty. And it's hot. I feel great until about 5:30 p.m. But preparing dinner is a real struggle -- we're just not into raw food enough to make dinners heat-free yet.

I've been reading up a storm lately, getting ready for book club, and I am so excited! It's been great to step out of my normal comfort zone of things I like to read, and I'm currently ENAMORED with Anne Patchett's novel Bel Canto.

We're definitely reading this one for book club this year.

Exhausted

Sundays wear me out, big time. Today especially, since the kids went to bed Saturday an hour and a half late, got up an hour earlier, and then after church we went to Jeremy and Amy's for dinner with a crowd. A fun crowd, but tiring nonetheless. Josh and I came home, put the kids to bed, and then laid down on our bed and passed out for two hours.

Whew.

And tomorrow? Cleaning the house and having the 2nd counselor and his wife over for dinner and FHE. And planning the talks we're giving next Sunday.

Anybody have a magic "keep-the-kids-quiet-during-church" remedy? Anyone?

Exciting News!

Huge congratulations to Amy and Jeremy Coyne for their new baby girl, Olivia! She weighed in at 9lbs7oz, 20 1/2 inches long. I forgot to ask what color her hair is.

In other interesting news, if you want to see me in a pseudo-MC Hammer video , go ahead and click here. Or go to Youtube and do a search for Savertime.

In case you're wondering how I got involved, it's all thanks to my big sister, who is "MC Saver's" administrative assistant.

The Accidental Tourist

This was an interesting read for me. It was published the year that I was born, and was one of those novels that I simply had to finish. Yet I didn't feel enamored of it. I'm still not certain if I even liked it.

I can state firmly that I'm glad I have read it (past tense). The idea of being an accidental tourist through your own life, without taking chances or adventures or making any concrete decisions yourself, is an interesting one. The protagonist of the story is a man guided by routines, logic, and efficiency. His life seems to be on a set path, but he manages to find some "accidental" detours, until at the end of the book he takes charge of his own destination instead of floating idly through life.

The story is immaterial, although it intrigued me. I don't remember any language, although there is the implication of extramarital sex, as he is separated from his wife but not divorced when he meets another woman.

Pick it up if it interests you. After all, Anne Tyler received a Pulitzer for an earlier novel. I can't really say I would recommend it, as I don't know to whom I should recommend it. But I'm glad I read it.

Provo Farmer's Market

Having lived in Provo for several years, today was the first time I went to the farmer's market in Pioneer Park. 5th West and Center St.

I've always wanted to go, but felt a bit out of sorts going by myself. Since Josh swears he hates farmer's markets I knew I couldn't count on his company.

So this morning Guy and I made the adventure, and it was awesome! There's a great playground right next to it, so Guy had fun, too. I met a cattle rancher who sells grass-fed antibiotic and hormone free beef. We bought some cherries, an enormous head of cabbage and a big zucchini. I bought some fresh herbs and Guy got a chocolate chip cookie approximately the size of his face. You can imagine he thoroughly enjoyed that one!

I enjoyed looking at all the different vendors, and the overcast, cool weather was perfect. We'll definitely be going back

Sundays

Sundays just got harder.

I love the Sabbath day, and all that it represents. But it's not quite so restful when I spend so much time trying to teach my boys how to honor and appreciate the gift of a day of rest.

Josh left at 9:30 this morning for meetings, leaving the boys and I to our own devices. I had grand visions of a tidy house and a yummy dinner waiting for him when he got home. Then reality laughed and threw her shoe at my head.

Okay, maybe it was Dr. Seuss' ABC book, but it still made contact with my head. Multiple times. Rough morning, to say the least.

I got the kids dressed and to church on time, without forgetting anything at home. But Guy just wanted to run, and jump, and play, and yell his name to the fluorescent lights on the ceiling (he loves looking up and saying, "Hi, Lights!" to fluorescent lighting- or "Guy-yah-yah!"). After the sacrament, Guy threw a fit, so I dragged him onto my lap, where consequently Leo was also sitting, and started thinking about what to do next when two lovely young ladies came to my rescue. They sat down on either side of me, one taking Leo and the other looking to amuse Guy and fetch the things he "accidentally" dropped on the floor in front of us. Talk about a blessing from heaven.

These girls managed to turn my Sunday from I-want-to-pull-my-hair-out-or-curl-up-and-cry-in-a-corner to peaceful and mindful in a manner of a minute. I could actually listen to the testimonies. Thank goodness for angels.

I think I can handle this--especially if I can get a little extra help through sacrament meetings. Although dinner was still a bit hairy. Fast Sunday dinner always is when one doesn't manage to get home before 5:45 p.m.

But the blueberry pancakes were a hit, the boys are in bed, and with any luck won't wake up before 7 a.m. I could really use a morning where I'm allowed to stay in bed past 6:15. Please.

Austenland

Yesterday afternoon, I started reading Austenland by Shannon Hale, on a recommendation from a friend, and I LOVED IT. I finished it this afternoon during naptime.

It was light, funny, a quick read, but still thoughtful and engaging. And even had a few fun vocabulary words, if I remember correctly.

A great read for any of us who've fallen in love with Colin Firth, our delicious Mr. Darcy.

Go for it. You know you want to :-)