If I Had Time...

I'd complain about how frustrating the Raingutter Regatta is (really, isn't the Pine Wood Derby torture enough?)
I'd complain that it's near impossible to clean a house for company when a crying two-year-old wants me to sit right THERE! No. Right THERE!
I'd also complain about how hard it is to have a church meeting when previously mentioned two-year wants to read a book.
But, I have no time, so "everythings fine, thank you."

The Host

For all those fans of the Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer just came out with her new book The Host. It reads just like Twilight - fast and easy. For those of you who haven't read Twilight (gasp!) Meyer's writing style is similar to John Grisham in that it's really compelling and quick. I was up until after midnight a couple nights, unable to put The Host down.


The Host is much more science-fiction than I would normally read. Here is how Meyer's site describes it:

"Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind."

While it is Sci-Fi, Meyer's develops a story that focuses on the relationships, with a love story at the heart of the novel. There are no vampires and no stupid teenage girls, but there is also less suspense. I was more impressed with both Melanie and Wanderer from The Host than I was with Belle from Twilight. I can't see Melanie ever wanting to become a vampire... The basic premise is really interesting and it's easy to get lost in the story.

Overall I'd describe it as a great, light read. I'd definitely recommend it.

Dentist

Why do I always feel like the dentist is grading me as a mother? I think it goes something like this:

A: No cavities, no tartar buildup.
B: No cavities, minor tartar.
C: No cavities, lots of tartar.
D: Cavities, lots of tartar, some plaque.
F: Cavities, tons of tartar, tons of plaque.

Guess what grade I got?

My dentist is as nice as Mr. Rogers. He hugs me and the boys every time we go in for a visit. (If he weren't so stinkin' nice, it might be creepy.) So, maybe I'm a bit crazy, but I swear they speak in code:

Dental hygienist: "They need to brush their teeth better."
What I hear: "What in the world are you doing wrong, that your children don't even brush their teeth right?!?"
Dentist: "Yup, we've got a cavity."
What I hear: "You are a grossly incompetent mother."

Upon hearing that he would have a filling, Big Boy #2 said "Can't they just let me off with a warning?" Don't I wish...

***********************************************************
However, on a more positive note, I thought I would include pictures of today's Field Day. The boys had a ton of fun - and we all ended up sweaty, dirty and tired. (A great beginning to any dental visit, I might add.)

Trees!

We started a tradition at our old house where we planted trees on the boys' first birthdays. It was always so much fun to watch those trees grow - and see the boys grow up alongside their trees. The boys certainly knew which of all the trees was "theirs" and they loved to sit beneath those branches. One of the hardest parts of moving was leaving those trees.

















Well, we have spent the last few days planting new trees for the boys. They both wanted the exact same type of tree. BB#1 has a Fairview Maple, and BB#2 has an Autumn Blaze Maple. (We're going to get the Caboose a Purple Ash. ) The trees are much smaller than what we left, but they will grow - as will the boys.



















So I figured a little looking back was in order. On the left, the pictures of the boys with their new trees, on the right the boys on their first birthdays planting their original trees.