I'm getting my life back...

I finished my marathon reading all 4 "Twilight" series books in one week. I started reading and couldn't put the books down, so the house and family got a bit neglected last week! Here are some of my thoughts: I love to read. I read some fiction, and mostly inspirational/self-help type books. I thought Stephenie Meyers was a great writer-- I loved the imagery she used throughout and I loved her intricately-woven plot. It kept my attention for the most part throughout. Normally, I really don't like fantasy-type books (I could never get into Harry Potter books, for example), and when people mentioned vampires and werewolves I was turned off. It was a great read, I thought. What I didn't like was books 2 and 3 were a little slow in some parts. Books 1 and 4 were my favorite. Bella's character started annoying me some because she came across as very co-dependent. Her desperation for Edward, and not being able to survive, function or thrive without him was a little much. Even when they were together in a relationship, but apart due to her employment or something, she was so desperate to be in his presence again. That made her character a bit weak, I thought. However, I remember feeling like that in high school when I was head over heels over a guy, too. Nonetheless, I sometimes felt that relationship got a little too dramatic for me, and Jacob was a bit too dramatic and demanding too.
I was glad she ended up with Edward -- that's who I was rooting for. I thought it was interesting to see how Bella transformed into a beautifully mature person when she married Edward. That emotional drama stuff evaporated in the fourth book. She seemed more at peace with her identity. I also liked the good vs. evil theme throughout; that element of LDS doctrine we understand about the 'natural man', or in this case, the natural/newborn vampire who doesn't restrain himself against inappropriate appetites and passions. The Cullens as well as the wolves honored their treaties, or we could make the parallel between their treaties and our covenants... no matter how tempting the way of the world looks, we honor our word and we fight the battle to the end, as we have been entrusted. I liked that message... Stay the course and don't cross the line the Lord has drawn in the sand. The enemy is outside our borders. Another interesting parallel was the pro-life, pro-family subtleties woven throughout the books. Edward was inherently good and wanted marriage and fidelity, even when Bella was weak. Then Bella was going to have her baby no matter how hard the pressure from her new family was to sacrifice the fetus (they were sure she wouldn't survive the pregnancy or labor anyway.) I only had one unaswered question: how was Bella going to handle seeing Renee, her mother eventually?
Well, that is my synopsis. I can't wait for the movie. Anybody want to go?

From Politics to Vampires...

Okay, okay, so I'm a little late, but I wanted to see what all the hype concerning the Twilight series was... I borrowed Twilight and read it in 2 days. I borrowed New Moon and read it in 2 days. I am now on page 346 of Eclipse. I am quite enjoying the series (obviously, since I've been neglecting dishes and late night talks with my hansome hubby.) So here are my thoughts:
1) Stay with Edward, Edward, Edward. Maybe Jacob could hook up with Leah, if he ever grows up. 2) Can vampires procreate? 3) I think the solution to Bella's dilemma would be if Edward's immortality could could be reversed and and he became mortal again. They would both be happy, and they could have a real family. 4)Who is responsible for the Seattle killing spree? 5) Who snuck into Bella's room and took her clothes and pillow? 6) I really think it would be cool if the Cullens and the werewolves would call a truce and go after the serial killers together. Anything's possible, right? (of course; this is fantasy!) I have to say though, that Bella's character annoys me to some degree. More analysis later. I have a chapter to finish...

Palin, Politics, and Pre-marital Sex

How do you feel about Sarah Palin? I thought she was a great choice for McCain, based on her conservative politics, strong and articulate poise, and her strong pro-family, pro-life values. (Not to mention her fiscal policies!) However, there is one thing missing. Read the article on Mormon Times and see what you think. I loved it. Enjoy!
www.mormontimes.com/ME_blogs.php?id=3525

Gross!

Tonight we invited a family over for Family Home Evening around our firepit. We had a lesson, scripture, sang a song and prayed. For dessert, we made smores. The evening was truly delightful until I glanced at our back door and saw that it had been left open, WIDE open for an hour. When we went in for the night, we discovered MASSES of flies and fly villages all over our kitchen and living room and a meandering group had canvassed the upstairs. So Joseph swatted for well over 30 minutes straight, while I swept up the fly remnants behind him. I had to get out the vacuum and vacuum the carpeted areas as he swatted in the carpeted areas downstairs and upstairs. We counted 50 flies in the first dust pan group and then quit counting after that. It was nasty and it made me itch all over. Sick!

Happy Birthday to Me... 35????

Yesterday I was feeling a little down about 'the BIG 35'. It seems so, well, old. I feel like I am becoming increasingly more forgetful and my teenage acne has come back with a fury. My hair is turning darker and I'm gaining weight for no reason! Sigh. 35. Wow. It was a happy day despite my old age, because of the people around me. Joseph made me breakfast and one of his custom homemade cards and we went to lunch at Ruby River. My sweet visiting teacher, Kelly, brought delicious smore treats and fun lotion and soap. Most of my family, including my grandparents in Missoula, called me. My sister was on the west coast on vacation and managed to leave me a message and email, so that made my day as well. My best friend Danielle (from high school) also left a thoughtful message I appreciated. Two of Joseph's sisters also took the time to email and call. And Heather brought me those oh-so-heavenly bath mineral salts I love so much. Those small recognitions on your birthday really do make a difference! (Especially on the big bad ugly 35th...) But the greatest birthday gift, was this: My mom took me shopping last weekend for some new bedding. We shopped all over the mall and found a $400 Chris Madden satin comforter and shams with bedskirt ON SALE for $100!!! I love the pale blue with soft gold accents. Now if I can get some ideas from any of you who may be reading this (especially my pro-bono home decor consultant Julie Meldrum) for ideas about window treatments or mistreatments as my cousin Melissa would say... and I know I probably need some sort of gold throw pillow, right? I do love my plantation shutters, but I still need something above, do you think? I am a beginner sewer if that helps, but I sure need some advice... and tonight I will make myself a Grandma Lofgren chocolate birthday cake. All is well, all is well!

a few more...

More reunion pictures!

My Mom had back surgery earlier this summer and is recovering smashingly! However, she is most comfortable in this portable fold-out chair. We were so glad she could get out a bit with us.

The picture above is all the cousins on my side of the family: Michael, Jacob and Elia came up from Farmington (Paul and Becky are the proud owners), and Andrew and Amber came over from Boise with Noah, Drew and 4-week old baby Jonah. Wonderful weekend, everybody!

Wolford Family Reunion '08

Over the Labor Day Weekend, we had a family reunion at Mom and Dad's in Rexburg. Friday night, we 'camped out' at Grandma and Grandpa's and early Saturday morning, Joseph and Andrew went fishing on the Fall River. After lunch, we took the kids to the Rexburg spray park and rode the carousel. Beautiful weather!