Book/Author Review

Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn, The Well of Ascension, and Hero of Ages

This month I took a suggestion from Tim and read the Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. I'd heard good things about Mr. Sanderson and had purchased the books for Tim, who really liked them and has since read most of Brandon Sanderson's books. He was super excited to share them with me, and even though I am not much of a fantasy genre reader, I was not at all disappointed. Brandon Sanderson has not only very intriguing ideas for his books, but his style of writing was just about perfect. His books are very character-based, and even as the plot moved forward and grand events took place, the story stayed personal and real with relatable characters and feelings. One thing I really appreciated about this fantasy book is that the "magical" elements were actually very scientific - there were set laws, rules, and physics governing them. There were actual skills that had to be practiced and perfected, as opposed to just vast unlimited power. Plus, there was always a logical reason behind anything that seemed out of the ordinary and putting together the pieces of those mysteries was one of the reasons to keep reading. Tim had told me enough about the books when he read them that I knew what happened at the end, but even knowing that, I couldn't put these books down. And speaking of the end, I don't think I've ever been quite so satisfied with the end of a series. It brought together elements that had been building for all three books in a way that gave every death and twist deeper meaning. I highly recommend these books, even to those who don't usually read fantasy. Four stars, absolutely!

The Alloy of Law: A Mistborn Novel

Over our anniversary weekend in Torrey, Tim and I listened to the audio book recording of one of Brandon Sanderson's recent novels and we "couldn't put it down," as it were. This novel takes place 300 years after the Mistborn Trilogy ends and it was just as enjoyable as the others, though a little less epic - no gods, governments, or forces of nature overthrown in this one! Plus, there were lots of delightful little hints and links connecting it to the previous books. It was definitely more than just a long epilogue to the trilogy, and though it was less emotionally satisfying (because it was less of an emotional journey), it was still excellently written. The ending was left wide open for a sequel and we fervently hope there will be one. These books are just too darn good! At least three and a half stars.

Busy month! And of course I took almost no pictures

June always turns into a crazy month for us, between Father's Day and family birthdays and our anniversary (which usually involves going out of town). This year was no exception, but it was full of very fun things! My cousin Anna was in town for just a few days but found time to throw me a baby shower with my dad's sisters. It was so great and I was so grateful for everyone's advice and gifts - I already feel much more prepared for this baby!

Sunday the 17th was Father's Day which meant treating Tim to his favorite breakfast (German pancakes) and spending time at my parents' house. My dad wanted meaningful, handmade gifts so I craftily put together a frame with the "Keep calm and carry on" poster inside; Ethan made him coupons; and Rachel and Jase outdid us all with a dollar-shaped pinata with Dad's face on it, filled with candy and sweet notes from his kids, that he whacked into submission between bouts of hysterical laughing. I think pinatas should always be a part of Father's Day because it was hilarious! And an all-around very lovely evening.


Tuesday the 19th we celebrated Tim's birthday with a BBQ and games in the park. Tim made homemade root beer for the first time and it turned out pretty delicious! I need to remember every year to let Tim make something for his birthday - it's really the best part for him. Thanks to everyone who was able to come and party with us! Tim had fun, which was the whole point, and it was great to see you all. (Special thanks to Rob, Christian, and Anna for participating in the most hilarious game of Werewolves I've ever played. That was amazing.)

Wednesday the 20th Tim and I celebrated his actual birthday with dinner at Tucanos and a movie - we finally saw The Avengers! There was also some work involved but overall, it was a good day. I think Tim enjoyed it, so I count it as a success!

That next Friday we took off work early and headed down to Torrey for an anniversary celebration. It was just about the most relaxing weekend I've ever had - we just enjoyed ourselves, slept in and took naps, listened to an audio book, played games, and spent an hour watching the stars under a perfectly clear sky with our massive quilt under and around us to keep off the bugs. The only thing that made it uncomfortable was the heat in the afternoon but with a little ingenuity on Tim's part (a fan blowing on dry ice), we stayed bearably cool. The best part? We bought these darling shirts for our little girl to wear next summer when we take her with us to Torrey.

This Monday after our weekend away, Tim started his one summer class and thankfully it looks like it's not going to be too much stress. It's only a few weeks long so we're just going to get through it as quickly as possible and happily mark it off at the beginning of August. And this morning we went to our appointment with the midwife - I did the glucose test (yuck) and we got to hear our baby's heartbeat, albeit only for a few seconds at a time because she literally did not stop moving the entire time the midwife was trying to find it. Now that she's getting bigger, I can tell exactly just how active she is and holy cow, we're going to have a hyper hypo on our hands in a few months! 

Anniversary

Dear Tim,
Three years seems like it should be a long time, but it doesn't feel like it at all. I've been wondering if our newly married selves would be surprised at where we are three years later, and I don't think they would. I think they'd be very reassured to know that thee years after the best day of their lives, they'd be comfortable, enjoying their jobs, happily anticipating a new baby, and still be madly in love with each other. 


Do you remember waiting in the temple that day? Mostly I remember how at the time, it really didn't matter at all. Being together in the Celestial room was amazing and after waiting apart for so many months, another thirty minutes didn't seem like so much at all. You have always been worth waiting for and I have always enjoyed waiting with you. I can't think of anyone else I'd like to take this journey with as much as you. Thank you for taking it with me.


Our anniversary celebrations feel a little muted this year, but I think it's been just right for us. I am very content with where we are and where we're headed, and I think we're both just enjoying the flow for now. Thank you for knowing my mind - quite literally! - and for knowing me and loving me so completely. You are so kind, so amazing, so special to me and I love you forever, mi querido.


Love, 
your Kate

General update because I am a blog slacker lately

My sister-in-law Bekah recently asked me if I was enjoyed being pregnant and I honestly answered, "I'm enjoying not being sick." Those first few months were rough, but the last two months have been lovely and I think I've been trying to make up for the forced inactivity of February and March by never sitting still since then. Seriously, ask Tim - I can't not be doing something. Even when we're just chilling on the couch or in bed, I'm rubbing his shoulders or folding laundry or eyeing the room, looking for something to clean/organize/get rid of.


For all that, it doesn't feel like there's too much to update - life is just going along pretty smoothly. Tim has found his niche at his job and is really enjoying working at Novell. I am constantly busy at my job and constantly trying to stay on top of everything (hasn't happened yet). Every Tuesday we go to the Orem City Center park to play games. I started my Hypnobabies classes and work on that every day. Tim celebrates his 27th birthday in a week and a half; we're celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary at the end of the month with a trip down to Torrey. Tim has one summer class to get through in July (ugh) and then in August, we're going to celebrate my 26th birthday with a weekend in Salt Lake and Wicked tickets (thanks Mom!). And then we are just going to count down until this little girl (it's a girl! in case that blog post got buried) decides to join us and savor every minute together. And that's about it.


Except that's not completely true. There are other things going on too, like Tim's work contract being up in September, and a lack of insurance, and trying to save money like crazy. Last night we talked about all the maybes of life and our contingency plans if everything falls through. Here's the thing - we talked about it without fear. Even though these realities and uncertainties are very much a part of our lives, we aren't afraid of them. Because the truth is, we did not pick when to have this baby. If it had been up to us, she would have been born last month, and then if we'd have our second choice, she'd be due before the end of August when I lose my insurance. But she's due three weeks later, around the time Tim's contract with Novell is up. This isn't in our hands; it never was. 


Two summers ago I spent nearly every day afraid of the uncertainty of the future, putting on a brave face when I talked to other people about our situation, but inwardly questioning the wisdom of our choices. And then, everything worked out. We didn't wait around for that to happen; we worked hard to catch the blessings that came to us. But it wasn't us. And we know that this uncertain situation we've found ourselves in isn't us either. We'll be taken care of, one way or the other. I marvel at the blessings that are still coming from that summer's decisions, not the least of which is the ability to face this summer so calmly.


So there you have it - that's the full update of what's really going on. Bottom line: life is just good right now. Not perfect, but really, really good.

Catching up

Just fyi, I finally finished the blog posts I started during the last two months (going back to the end of April, I think), so there are bunches and bunches of new posts for general perusal. Whew!

Cora Belle Herrick

My little baby's cousin Cora Belle was born early this morning, and we could not be more excited to welcome her to the world and the family. Congratulations Scott and Chelsea! I'm so happy she is here!


I don't have a picture of the beautiful baby but I do have this photo taken last Saturday:

Chelsea was 38 weeks pregnant, I was 24, and Bekah was 14. I'm so glad we thought to get this picture of us all pregnant at the same time, especially since it only lasted a few more days!