Finally Finished

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this one for book club. They read it in November...it took me a little longer to finish. I had started reading the abridged version, but decided I wanted the challenge of reading the LONG version (all 1130 pages of it). I really liked the movie they made a few years back based on this story so I was excited to read it. The book was different from the movie...of course it had much more detail, but the most noticeable difference was the ending. The book didn't have the same "happy" ending as the movie. I really enjoyed reading this book.
View all my reviews >>

Update

I know I'm a terrible blogger, but I thought Id give you a quick update on whats going on in the Mounteer household:

Jason is still working hard. He got an iPod touch for Chirstmas and is enjoying all the new apps he has put on it. He is also liking the Wi-Fi connection so he has internet access at work. He still works a lot, but took some much needed time off during the holidays. One of his main goals this year is to stop working his second job. His plan for this is to try to convince his wife (me) to go back to school so that I can work in a job that pays better. I'm protesting. The problem is I don't know what I want to be when I grow up...actually the bigger problem is that I don't want to grow up at all.

Steph is still liking her "new" job in the Mammography Department as a scheduler. My favorite part is the drive. It takes me 10 minutes to get to work and I can go two whole weeks on one tank of gas. I also love being able to play on facebook and blogging while at work. I hate how winter throws a wrench into my running...either it's too cold, the air quality is too bad or there is snow all over the parkway, but I try to get out as often as possible. As long as it's above 20 degrees I'll go out, and honestly the air doesn't really bother me. Of course when I'm diagnosed with lung cancer from breathing in all that yucky air I may wish that I had let it bother me. Funny that I'd rather run outside in 20 degree weather than on a stupid treadmill!

Braden turned 16 this last year and got his licence, a car and two jobs. It took a while to find a job, but for the month of December he worked two jobs at the same time. It got a little crazy, but he survived and now just works at the movie theater. The perks include free movies for him and a guest which really comes in handy for dates. I'm still waiting for him to take me to see Avatar though. He is working hard in school and taking some difficult classes. For the first time he is realizing that sometimes you have to study for tests. He's a great kid though and gives me very few problems. I am grateful that when I hear others talking about how much they want to kill their teenagers I can say: 'That's too bad for you...I really enjoy my teens.'

Brooklynn is still ice skating. She's playing with the idea of competing two programs instead of just one as she has for the last couple of years. She is really enjoying Jr High school and earned a 4.0 GPA for first term, and is on track to earn one for second term as well. She also serves as the Beehive class president in Young Womens and I am constantly hearing her praises at church. She is a great kid and everyone seems to know it.

So there you have a little update on what we've been up to. I'll try to be better, especially at taking pictures, but I don't make any promises.

Our Hero

Brooklynn was nominated as a Hero for her Jr. High School. She was nominated by her teachers for demonstrating one or more of the schools Community of Caring values for Responsibility, Respect, Caring, Trust and Family. Here is what her teacher wrote about her: "Brooklynn is a fine example of our Community of Caring. she is a very kind and caring individual, eager to help those who may need it. she seeks out opportunities to help others and the teacher! Even though she might be small in stature, she is a very strong leader for her peers. she is passionate about her schoolwork and her extracurricular talents, like dancing (I guess doing skating moves on dry land looks a little like dancing to the untrained eye). I appreciate her desire to 'go the extra mile' in getting her work done in such an efficient manner. I am sure she will continue to have a positive influence on everyone she meets! How fortunate we are to have her as a studnt here at Hillcrest! Keep up the great work and keep showing that beautiful smile!"

Brook got a certificate, a pin, a medal and a cash award for being nominated and was recognized at a breakfast this morning at the school. I'm so proud of Brooklynn and her dedication to her school work. I never have to remind her to do her homework, she always turns in all her assignments and works very hard to do good work in school. She really enjoys school and has a very positive attitude. Today is the end of the term and if all stays as it is she will bring home straight A's on her report card...a 4.0 GPA. Way to go Brookie! Love You!

Another Book Finished

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cute, cute story! A little predictable, but very loveable.

View all my reviews >>

Book reviews

Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy by L.A. Meyer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Fun to listen to on a road trip to Escalante, Utah



Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation


My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I struggeled with the first part of this book because it was so silly. The main characters foster family is so outrageous that they weren't even believable. It also seemed like he "borrowed" a lot from the Harry Potter series. There were times where I could tell that this was written by a teenage author. But I stuck with it and it got better. All around not a bad book.

View all my reviews >>

Homecoming

Braden's first dance, and first date for that matter. He went with his good friend Megan Walker from our neighborhood. They've basically known each other since we moved into our house on Crystal River Dr. when they were 7 years old. No longer is homecoming just dinner, dance and maybe something afterward. It was an all day activity
.

They went hiking in the morning. They packed a picnic lunch and ate at the top of the hike to Moss Ledge. Then they stopped at the busiest 7-11 in the world at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon for Slurpees on their way down the canyon and went to a park to hang out. Then it was a few hours of separation while the girls got ready for the dance.


Here they are back at our house for dinner. They picked the girls back up around 5 pm
and had lovely Asian inspired meal. Cream cheese wantons, Lettuce wraps, orange chicken, fried rice and fortune cookies.

Here's the boys just before they left to go pick up the girls


Here are pictures of our decorated basement. The pictures really don't do it justice. It turned out so cute. Jason, Braden and I spent Thursday night hanging the white lights and lanterns. The boys spent a good hour or so on Friday cleaning up the basement. I don't think I've ever seen it so clean.


Eating Dinner


A toast to Homecoming. I promise it was just sparkling cider. We have to put the wine fridge to good use somehow
.

Brooklynn helped by serving their dinner. She also spent some time harassing her big brother. Of course she claims it was him harassing her, but but for the most part she was helpful.

Then it was off to the dance, which I assume was just fine as the only description I get out of Braden was "It was good."


After the dance they headed over to my sister Leisa's house. They have a great fire pit built into their backyard for doing S'mores. The kids had a great time roasting marshmellows, jumping on the tramp and playing on the swing set. Are they 6 or 16? Sometimes it is hard to tell.

Devan and Britt on the swing set

I think they all had a great time. Braden is now sleeping off the whole adventure. It was a busy day, but lots of fun. Maybe he'll be recovered enough to do it again come Prom?

Oktoberfest 2009

Here I am with my beautiful little skater girl. She did such a great job at the Oktoberfest competition, and despite thinking she did not skate well placed 3rd in her division. She was so excited to get a medal and be able to stand on the podium to get her picture taken. Her group consisted of 4 skaters, three of them from our same club.

She got lots of comments on her dress. This is the first time she has competed in this outfit. We found it at our rinks skate swap. It fits her perfectly, looks beautiful out on the ice and is a very good color for her as well. Maybe it's also a lucky dress.


Here she is in the lobby of the rink getting ready for her turn to skate. The competition was running just a bit early this morning, but it sure took a LONG time for them to get the results up. Luckily it was worth the wait.