American Wife

American Wife                                  10/10

Recently, I have finished reading American Wife by Taya Kyle, wife of Chris Kyle, who was retired Navy Seal, murdered while trying to help a struggling Vet. This book is heartbreakingly raw, full of emotion, love and laughter. 

It's been a while since I've read anything that wasn't fiction, my obsession is YA fiction, so this was a nice break. I was impressed by the courage, strength and unyielding faith that Taya had in life's purpose, her family and God amidst all the struggles and trials she was facing. The rawness of her story caught me off guard; it felt as if I was talking to a lifelong friend, instead of reading a book. 

I'm grateful she was willing to share her story, including all the bad parts. It truly is a beautiful story and I know without a doubt in my mind that she'll be reunited with Chris again. I look forward to reading American Sniper, and learning more about this wonderful man who sacrificed so much for our country. 

This is Where it Ends

This is Where it Ends                     Rating: 10/10

This book is heart-wrenching, devastating and yet it is still beautiful. Marieke Nijkamp takes things that are taboo and discusses them without fear, but in a sensitive, kind and understanding way. There were many things that I loved about this book, the first things being that Nijkamp wrote a book about a school shooting, something that is horrible and unthinkable, but sadly happens in our world more than we would like to admit. I think she did a beautiful job of showing the betrayal that could drive a person to do something like this and she also adequately showed the fear of the students who were victims of the shooting.

The second thing I rather enjoyed about this book is how the author addressed common misconceptions we have about each other. One of the main character's best friend is from Afghanistan, and because of this he's usually the first suspect when something goes wrong (despite the fact that he's a good, trustworthy student). I think this really teaches an important lesson about humanity and the way we view others. By addressing this common misconception, the author shows that we need to look past the outward appearances of those around us and see them for who they truly are. No two people are exactly alike, even if they do come from similar backgrounds. Just because you have two apples, it doesn't mean they're going to taste the same.

The third reason I love this book relates to the second reason. While the shooting is taking place some of the students are on their phones using Tweeter to communicate to the outside world. I found these interactions between the victims and the outside world to be very realistic and heartbreaking. A lot of the comments on the Tweets were talking about how sick and twisted it is to fact something like this for attention (which I think a lot of the time we believe people are just crying wolf, instead of actually coming to their aid when they're in trouble). A few of the other comments were from news reporters, who were so concerned about the story they were covering and catching their big break, than the students suffering in the school.

The last reason I really loved this book is because it deals with discrimination. One of the main characters Autumn is too afraid to admit her true feelings because she's worried about what others may think. I don't think anyone should have to face feeling like that. We shouldn't backlist and shame people because they think differently than us, and I felt that was a point the author tried to get across.

Warnings:

There is a bit of swearing in the book and the author refers to rape, but that's it. Overall this book is a fantastic read, very insightful and I would recommend it to anyone. I think it should be taught in schools as there are a lot of valuable lessons that can be learned. I will definitely be reading this book again.

The Infernal Devices

I absolutely adore reading, and I literally always have a book at the tip of my fingertips. So, I figured what the heck, I should start writing reviews for the books I'm reading, so I can help other readers find their next favorite book or series. I'm sure no one will see this besides friends and family, but maybe one day I'll get my book published and fans will check out my blog and that would be pretty cool.

Anyway, I just finished reading The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare, the prequel to the Mortal Instrument Series, which I'm sure a lot of people have heard about now since there has been a movie and TV series made about the book. Okay, so I just want to give a little background for the story before I gave my opinion of each book.

The trilogy follows the story of two Shadowhunters (half-angel demon fighters) James Carstairs and William Herondale. The boys rescue a mysterious women named Tessa Gray from the Dark Sisters, who had imprisoned her by the order of the Magister. They bring Tessa back to the Institute (which is their home/school) with them to keep her safe and figure out what she is exactly. She has powers like a warlock, but not a warlock's mark so that means she can't be a warlock or a mundane (human). As they protect Tessa, evil threatens to take over London, as the Magister gains more and more power.  

Clockwork Angel                    Rating: 4.5/10

“One must always be careful of books," said Tessa, "and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”  

I know 4.5/10 isn't that high of a rating, but this book started out really dry. It was really hard for me to get invested in what was happening and to actually feel and care for the characters. The book got better a few chapters in after Tessa had been rescued and more of the characters at the Institute had been introduced.

Another thing that made this book a little harder for me to enjoy, was the excessive reminders of what Shadowhunting was and other elements of the Shadowhunting world. Being a writer, I understand where Cassandra Clare is coming from, since this is supposed to be a prequel she probably figured most readers would read it before reading the Mortal Instrument series. Bu it came out three years later, so if you were already introduced to the Shadowhunting world that would have been a little difficult.

This was really the only problem, which isn't really a problem, that I had with this book. It just made the book drag on a bit, but it was also good in some ways. I was able to learn more about the Shadowhunting world than I had from the Mortal Instrument series. I also really enjoyed how completely different the characters were, some were witty, sly and some were downright terrible. There was a lot of tension and cliffhanging moments that made me stay up way later than I should so I could keep reading.

Clockwork Prince                    Rating: 7/10

“It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them.”  

This book was fantastic! The first book ends with such a major plot twist and cliffhanger that I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I almost cried when I thought my library didn't have it. Luckily, they did and I was able to read it. I really loved how much you find out about James and Will's past in this book. There's so much mystery to their past and so much that is left unsaid that I found myself constantly trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I also really enjoyed looking up the Shadowhunter lineage and seeing how the characters in this trilogy are related to the characters from the Mortal Instrument Series. Super nerdy, I know, but when I'm reading a book the characters and their world come alive to me.

Also, there's a love triangle. Not a crappy "does he think I'm cute" love triangle, but there are severe consequences love triangle. You know a book is going to be good, when there's a love triangle. And, my goodness did this book have me in an uproar. I was constantly complaining to Andrew about the actions of so and so and how I thought they were being stupid and I couldn't believe what they had done. He didn't share my feelings though, just told me it was a book haha. I get WAY too invested in the books I'm reading! But I love it. :)

Now, since there is a love triangle there are some heated moments in the book, but it's nothing too bad. There are some making out scenes, but it's all very "PG-13." Which makes me happy, there is nothing like starting to really enjoy a series only to have an ill-placed scene ruin it for you.

Clockwork Princess                    Rating: 6/10

“Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read.”  

I was pretty angry when I started reading this book, mainly because I couldn't believe how Clockwork Prince had ended. The ending was not what I was expecting to happen, which is good, but I also felt for my characters. Now, I won't give anything away, because if you're intrigued by these books and haven't read them then you should. Reading is so good for the soul.

Although I didn't care for how this book started and was kind of at odds with the characters that end up together, I grew to love them as a couple once I gave them a chance. I also loved that Tessa had so much torment over the boy she choose and the boy she couldn't admit that she loved. It made her feel relatable. I'm glad she didn't just give up on life and decide not to do anything because she couldn't be with the boy she wanted. That would have been very dull and would have made the rest of the book seem tedious.

The ending of the book was nice, but I almost wish Clare would have left out the epilogue. It was nice seeing what happened to the characters, but it felt a little too perfect to me. I didn't like how Tessa had the perfect happy ending, which makes me sound horrible, but if you read the book hopefully you'll understand my pain.

The Infernal Devices Trilogy           Rating: 8/10

Overall, the trilogy was really good. I felt happy, angry, sad, annoyed and a bunch of other emotions while reading, and that's what reading is all about. It's supposed to make you feel, to learn, to have empathy. This is definitely a series I wouldn't mind reading again.  

Boise Aquarium!

We took the girls to the Aquarium Monday. It was so much fun seeing all the different fish. The aquarium had little splash tank areas where the kids could interact with the fish. The twins loved being able to splash, but didn't care too much about touching the sharks or sting rays. I even braved the tank and touched a sting ray!  

Easter 2017 :)

We were able to go down to Boise and spend Easter with Ashley, Micah and Madison. :) Amber and Brandon were also able to come down! It was so nice being able to take a break from every day life and spend time with the family.

I couldn't get over the amount of cuteness that filled the room as the girls played together. I love how close Madison and Rebekah are.

The Easter bunny came to visit us at our hotel and the girls were so excited. :) 

Later that evening, we set up an Easter egg hunt for the girls. It was so fun watching them run around and collect eggs. Charlotte went crazy going!

St. Patrick's Day 2017

I've always envied those Pinterest moms who seem to have every little aspect of their lives in order: they have time to craft, read, write, teach their kids, and so on. While I can barely even keep the up with the housework, even more so now that we're down our kitchen sink and dishwasher.

Hopefully, we can get them both fixed soon and I can return to my normal, happy, dishwashing-self. I really do hate having dishes piling the counters and eating off of paper plates, but hey, at least I have a sink and utensils to use. Could be worse.

Anyway, this isn't meant to be a self-pity post, life is good haha. I'm just envious of those moms who find time to celebrate every little holiday with their kids and still manage to have a perfectly clean house, so I'm going to try being better at starting wacky, fun holiday traditions for my little family. I mean, who needs a clean house anyway? The answer is ME! I really do need a clean house to function, but the weather is beautiful and my sweet little babies aren't going to be this little forever, so I'm going to Carpe Diem and make the best of things.

I could eat pancakes all day, every day if I wouldn't turn into a Heffalump in the process. (A Heffalump is the cute little elephant character from Winnie the Pooh, in case you were wondering haha.) So, we made pancakes today for lunch, because when Andrew is sleeping I do breakfast foods all the time. SO delicious, fast and the kids love them!

Chocolate chip pancakes are fun on their own, but I thought Rebekah would enjoy making colorful Spring pancakes instead. I let her use my cookie cutters to make fun Spring shapes too! She made a green bunny for Charlotte and a yellow flower for Emily. She absolutely loved it!

The girls also got a visit from Leroy the Leprechaun (who's a frog, because why not?) Here's the message he left for the girls:

I'm Leroy the Leprechaun

and I'm here to say,

if you behave nicely

a special treat is coming your way!

The girls then had to search the living room to find their pot of gold. When Rebekah found her pot of gold she was a little upset because I told her Leroy left her some treasure. She keep saying, "It's not treasure mommy. It's chocolate." She sure enjoyed eating it though!

We finished the evening, watching Pete's Dragon (the original of course! We do want to see the new one too, though.) And, made some cute bunny cookies to celebrate Spring.

What does your family do to celebrate St. Patrick's day? I'd love to add some more ideas to our traditions. I'm hoping if we're extra nice, Leroy will come and visit us again next year.

Food Scales are a Girl's Best Friend

Okay, so I know what you're thinking . . . those are not the words to the song, but I want to take a second and talk about my food scale haha. So for the past 40 days my family and I have been competing in a "Biggest Loser Family: Edition Challenge," and well, to say it's been an minor adjustment is an understatement.

Last year, I had goals to get into shape and start being healthier. I completed the Bikini Body Mommy 90 Day Challenge, but never did anything to address my nutrition, and therefore didn't lose any weight. So, this year, instead of "dieting" and trying to follow some ridiculous fad to lose weight, I've decided that I would focus solely on counting calories.

I know, counting calories isn't the best route to lose weight; there are a lot of dieting fads out there that really work and the results they produce are amazing. The problem I have with these fads though, is I'm not willing to permanently  give up all the foods I love (pizza, chips, ice cream & of course chocolate!) to keep off the weight I want to lose. I really want to make this a lifestyle change and not just something I'm doing for the competition. So instead I've been eating whatever I want as long as I don't go over my 1,700 calorie limit.

This may seem a tad counter productive, but this method really seems to be working for me. I've been using the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of my calories eaten, calories burned, my water intake, and the exercise I complete each day. It might sound a little corny, but this app makes my efforts feel more like a game, than something I don't want to do. I love seeing the calories I earn back as I exercise. It makes me happy, that I can instantly see the results of what I'm doing. I love how the app encourages me to keep up with what I'm doing by giving me predictions of what I'd weigh in 5 weeks if I were to eat a certain way every day.

I would lose weight quicker if I stuck to a dieting plan, like the 21-day fix, slim fast or any of the other programs out there, but I don't think I'd be as happy as I am. I love food a lot and I can get really cranky if I don't get enough haha. Besides, my little method really seems to be working thus far. I've lost 8 PDS since we've started, and that may not seem like much, but it's a HUGE start. My body didn't transform over night, it took time to get where my body is today and three beautiful little girls, so it's only fair that I give my body time to get back to where I want it to be.

Although, I haven't given up any of the foods I love, I have been trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and I've completely given up pop (well, almost). I discovered that Diet Dr. Pepper doesn't have any calories (I know it's still completely unhealthy, but I'm only focusing on calories at the moment.) Anyway, this is my go to treat drink. I have it maybe once every two weeks. I've really been trying to drink more water, which is something I've always struggled with, even when I was marching around in Swing Band in the blazing sun haha. I usually drink around 90 OZ of water a day, which makes me pee like crazy, but also means I eat less snack foods.

Anyway, the point of this post is do whatever works for you. If you're putting in the effort to better yourself and  make a change, results will come. Remember change won't happen overnight, it might not even happen in a week, but it will happen if you keep pushing through.