A Great Book

For those who know me, you know I love to read. I am always on the lookout for a good book and I am never without something to read. I don't like to watch a movie before I read the book and I don't usually like to read the book if I have already seen the movie. For this reason, I have never read "Little Women". I know, I know, a classic. But I loved the movie so much (the more recent one with Wynonna Ryder), all the Massachusetts scenery that is so wonderful and the story. So I thought for sure the book would be too much of a repeat and wouldn't keep my interest. How wrong I was!!! The book (as usual) is so much better than the movie. And I was sad to find out how much Christianity was totally removed from the movie--I didn't say surprised--just sad. I am still not done with the book, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite quotes. Inspirational! Now I would just like to go to Concord again and enjoy all those lovely places once more...

"It was easier to try for your sakes than for my own; a startled or surprised look from one of you, when I spoke sharply, rebuked me more than any words could have done; and the love respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy."

"If I don't seem to need help, it is because I have a better friend, even than father, to comfort and sustain me. My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthy one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of life-long peace, happiness and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."

"I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved and respected; to have a happy youth...with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send...My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world, --marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing, --and, when well used, a noble thing, --but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace."

"Then let me advise you to take up your little burdens again; for though they seem heavy sometimes, they are good for us, and lighten as we learn to carry them. Work is wholesome, and there is plenty for everyone; it keeps us from ennui and mischief, is good for health and spirits, and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion."

Lazy--not really

My mom thought that something was wrong with her computer because she hadn't been able to see any recent updates on my blog. I guess I should take that as a hint that I haven't posted much lately. I would like to say I have just been lazy and enjoying the wonderful weather while sitting on the back patio reading a book. And while I have done that once in the last couple of weeks, it is not the norm. We have been staying busy getting settled. Just an update on the Tahoe--as of this week it is running well. I almost hate to write that sentence for fear of cursing a good thing. But wait, the Tahoe is already cursed, so I guess I don't have to worry about it! We were just very grateful the work done on the Tahoe was covered by the warranty--that was a huge blessing.

The kids are starting to like school a little better. I hate to complain, we had such GREAT schools in NY and TX, this has been a bit of an adjustment for all of us. I am not saying schools in UT are terrible, but I will say they are lacking. I guess if we had never moved in the first place I wouldn't have known the difference. But we are making the best of it and I try hard not to complain in front of the kids--it only gives them license to do the same.

On the whole work front for Brian: He and his brothers are working hard to get the business plan put together and get it presented to some banks by next week. So far everyone they have talked to at different agencies and banks have been very positive with what the boys have so far. But that is not to say there won't be glitches once they finally submit everything and actually need someone to give them money. Brian is still very positive about everything and we both still feel like we are where we need to be. We are freaking out a bit, our house in TX hasn't sold yet. Our realtor said everyone who looks at it loves it and has actually had 4 people want to make offers but when they go to the lenders they can't get the financing. That really stinks for us because it is no fun to be making payments on a house we aren't even living in. But we are hoping the right person comes along very soon and it will all be fine.

So that is about it in a nutshell. I will try and do better...

Update

We took the Tahoe to the local AAMCO to have it looked at. It was the transmission that failed. Fortunately we had that totally replaced before we left Amarillo and it had a 100,000 mile warranty on it. Funny that it failed before it even had a 1000 miles, even more funny that it happened to THIS Tahoe. Brian says we need to have a Priest, Bishop, and a Rabbi over to "exercise" it. Maybe we should just sell it...anyone want a Tahoe? :) We still have to fix the flat...maybe THEN it will be okay! Oh, I just about forgot! Tuesday morning Brian had a police officer stop by wanting to know who the Tahoe belonged to. When Brian told him it was his, he wanted to see license, registration, etc. Apparently the 2 license plates on the Tahoe were different. Just one more thing...it really is SO funny...it just doesn't stop!!!