Well my total books read took a drastic dive this year. I guess a newborn cut back on my reading time (basically I exercise way less and take quicker baths, my two primary methods to sneak in reading - call me crazy). My list was pretty slim, but there were still some great reads. So without further ado, here are my 5 favorite books from 2010 - in no particular order.
1. What the Dog Saw: If you haven't tried non-fiction this is a great starter. Malcolm Gladwell writes for 'The New Yorker' and this book is a compilation of some of his best articles. He is one of my favorite authors. I love the questions he asks and how he can turn everyday things like ketchup and birth control into fascinating stories. This book is great because you can read one chapter then not touch it again for months and jump right into the next chapter. Give it a try.
2. 1421; The Year China Discovered America: Fascinating, although not going to win any literary awards. This book is worth reading on the merit of the information alone. The evidence in support of China discovering America well before Columbus is overwhelming. It also made me wonder about other groups of people that may have made it to America that history in general doesn't acknowledge. A thought provoking read.
3. Undaunted Courage: An account of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Sounds droll, I know, but I loved it. Maybe it helped that I read it while we did so much driving this summer and I saw a lot of the territory they explored. Or maybe it has to do with all the animals in it...but I thoroughly enjoyed it and think about it often. I have even found it slipping into conversations with people. For example, when the food was plentiful the men ate 9 lbs. of meat each day, per person. Can you imagine. I want to throw up just thinking about it. And they were the first white men to see a coyote. Before they killed all the wolves coyotes didn't live in the east at all - fascinating.
4. The Lost City Z: This reads more like fiction as it weaves the story of Percy Fawcett, a legendary British explorer, with the the life of the author. Fawcett spent most of his life exploring the Amazon but became fixated with searching for a lost treasure city and eventually disappeared in the jungle. The author retraces Fawcett's path and carries the reader along with him.
5. Pride and Prejudice and Anne of the Island: Okay did I mention my numbers were down...I have read both of these books too many times. Every now and again I just need a little thrill that only fiction can give - but if I jump into a new book I neglect my family - so instead I pick up an old favorite and just reread it. There is no pressure to find out what happens, because lets be honest, I could tell the story of Elisabeth and Darcy backward...I digress. The reason these two make my list is because reading them makes me happy. I can't help but smile when I'm done - so there it is. Non fiction makes me think, helps me feel more educated, and doesn't carry me away to neglect my duties - but fiction makes me smile and there is real value in that.
There are my top 5 - give one a try.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
It started with Tic Tacs
I have memories of eating orange Tic Tacs at church. Candy given to me by some couple sitting behind our family. I don't know who they were but I find it ironic that now my children will have their own memories about Tic Tacs at church. But I don't want them to forget who was passing out the candy...
A couple years ago I was the choir director and we practiced in the chapel before church began. While we practiced I expected the kids to sit quietly till we were done; not a very realistic expectation. The kids were pretty good, but Brother Stickle saw my need and started luring the kids to sit with him. He feed them Tic Tacs and entertained them till choir was over. Then one Sunday he handed me a whole container of Tic Tacs. He wasn't going to be at church for a while because he was undergoing chemo treatments and he wanted the kids to still get their candy.
This was the beginning of a special friendship. They kids wrote him thank you notes and get well cards. He and his wife sent the kids thank you notes for the thank you notes and included a dollar for each kid. Well at my house that gave this couple movie star status.
Since then we have visited him in the hospital and in his home. I sang at a surprise party he threw for his wife. They brought little Emily a baby gift and the kids a huge tub of Red Vines. They have told us about their mission to Turkey, and coaching High School sports in McCall and Fruitland years before my Grandpa came to the area. The last year has been full of little ways we have made each others life's richer.
Before Christmas came we went to visit one evening and learned that he was done fighting cancer -he was stopping the chemo. We decided that night to do the 12 days of Christmas for them. The kids and I made crafts- poinsettias made from their hands, Santa suckers, tree ornaments, snowflakes, chocolate dipped pretzels, luminaries, all sorts of stuff. Then Greg used his underutilized writing skills to make little notes about the significance of each gift. The kids had such fun being sneaky and dropping off all the gifts. Then on our last night before we left for Mesquite we went caroling and dropped of the remaining gifts. He was so weak. They were so touched by the gifts and I was so struck by how much I love this man who I really don't know that well. By the end, all the adults were in tears. The kids remained remarkable oblivious.
I think about he and his wife often. We have visited numerous times so the kids sing songs and talk a lot of nonsense. I am so grateful for each visit we get to spend with him. I'm so glad that we were able to get to know he and his wife and to make them a part of our lives. I don't often reach out to others; I feel too absorbed in my own family. This experience has reminded me that my life is made fuller and happier when I let others be a part of it.
A couple years ago I was the choir director and we practiced in the chapel before church began. While we practiced I expected the kids to sit quietly till we were done; not a very realistic expectation. The kids were pretty good, but Brother Stickle saw my need and started luring the kids to sit with him. He feed them Tic Tacs and entertained them till choir was over. Then one Sunday he handed me a whole container of Tic Tacs. He wasn't going to be at church for a while because he was undergoing chemo treatments and he wanted the kids to still get their candy.
This was the beginning of a special friendship. They kids wrote him thank you notes and get well cards. He and his wife sent the kids thank you notes for the thank you notes and included a dollar for each kid. Well at my house that gave this couple movie star status.
Since then we have visited him in the hospital and in his home. I sang at a surprise party he threw for his wife. They brought little Emily a baby gift and the kids a huge tub of Red Vines. They have told us about their mission to Turkey, and coaching High School sports in McCall and Fruitland years before my Grandpa came to the area. The last year has been full of little ways we have made each others life's richer.
Before Christmas came we went to visit one evening and learned that he was done fighting cancer -he was stopping the chemo. We decided that night to do the 12 days of Christmas for them. The kids and I made crafts- poinsettias made from their hands, Santa suckers, tree ornaments, snowflakes, chocolate dipped pretzels, luminaries, all sorts of stuff. Then Greg used his underutilized writing skills to make little notes about the significance of each gift. The kids had such fun being sneaky and dropping off all the gifts. Then on our last night before we left for Mesquite we went caroling and dropped of the remaining gifts. He was so weak. They were so touched by the gifts and I was so struck by how much I love this man who I really don't know that well. By the end, all the adults were in tears. The kids remained remarkable oblivious.
I think about he and his wife often. We have visited numerous times so the kids sing songs and talk a lot of nonsense. I am so grateful for each visit we get to spend with him. I'm so glad that we were able to get to know he and his wife and to make them a part of our lives. I don't often reach out to others; I feel too absorbed in my own family. This experience has reminded me that my life is made fuller and happier when I let others be a part of it.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Emmy Girl
I realized the other day that we hadn't taken pictures of Emily for a long time- so I tried a few. She would smile great till I put my face behind the camera. Next time I need an assistant.
It's hard to believe but our little babe is 9 months old. She brings all of us so much joy. Nobody can get enough of her and, our little red-head defiantly doesn't lack attention. In fact she can hardly handle being alone.
When we go out she steels the show. People stop to talk with her, ask about her, or just tell me she is beautiful. I can't disagree. I forget how much attention babies can draw.
Greg thinks she is perfect and tells everyone she is the best baby ever. I tell him he only thinks she is so great because he never has to put her down to deal with everyone else. She likes to know someone is always close by - and Greg doesn't mind being that person.
She has 4 teeth, sits like a pro, and shows no interest in crawling - nothing new for an Easton girl. We love our little Emmy.
It's hard to believe but our little babe is 9 months old. She brings all of us so much joy. Nobody can get enough of her and, our little red-head defiantly doesn't lack attention. In fact she can hardly handle being alone.
When we go out she steels the show. People stop to talk with her, ask about her, or just tell me she is beautiful. I can't disagree. I forget how much attention babies can draw.
Greg thinks she is perfect and tells everyone she is the best baby ever. I tell him he only thinks she is so great because he never has to put her down to deal with everyone else. She likes to know someone is always close by - and Greg doesn't mind being that person.
She has 4 teeth, sits like a pro, and shows no interest in crawling - nothing new for an Easton girl. We love our little Emmy.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Christmas in Nevada
We had a wonderful Christmas break in Mesquite with Greg's family. The kids were great on the drive and it was so nice to spend the time with Greg's Mom and Randy. Of course I hardly took any pictures but here are a few of the highlights.
Christmas Eve we drove to Valley of Fire and spent the day with Greg's brother and his family. Kate and Ari hadn't see each other in over a year, but they hit it off instantly.
The kids climbed and climbed all over. In fact Christmas day after opening all the presents Andrew asked where he could go to climb. They loved it. We had to drag them off the cliffs to do the Nativity.
Pretty cute wisemen.
Angels (closest thing to princesses)
Joseph, Mary and a very fidgety Jesus.
The whole cast.
The best part about this whole day was no one counted presents or begged to open one early. They never even talked about presents - they were having so much fun. I wish we could do this every year. To bad it is too cold to do an outdoor nativity in Idaho.
We also got lucky enough to see two Dessert Sheep.
Here are the only pictures taken Christmas day - thanks Greg for trying to record some picture memories.
Andrew's cougar (not a great pic-I know)
Natali's one request on the trip was to ride a horse. Papa took care of that.
Thanks again Papa.
We had such a great trip - wish we were going back soon.
Christmas Eve we drove to Valley of Fire and spent the day with Greg's brother and his family. Kate and Ari hadn't see each other in over a year, but they hit it off instantly.
The kids climbed and climbed all over. In fact Christmas day after opening all the presents Andrew asked where he could go to climb. They loved it. We had to drag them off the cliffs to do the Nativity.
Pretty cute wisemen.
Angels (closest thing to princesses)
Joseph, Mary and a very fidgety Jesus.
The whole cast.
The best part about this whole day was no one counted presents or begged to open one early. They never even talked about presents - they were having so much fun. I wish we could do this every year. To bad it is too cold to do an outdoor nativity in Idaho.
We also got lucky enough to see two Dessert Sheep.
Here are the only pictures taken Christmas day - thanks Greg for trying to record some picture memories.
Andrew's cougar (not a great pic-I know)
Natali's one request on the trip was to ride a horse. Papa took care of that.
Thanks again Papa.
We had such a great trip - wish we were going back soon.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Christmas Letter 2010
One tradition we have at our house is that Greg writes the Christmas letter. He enjoys writing it and I love reading it (and not having to do it myself). Most of you already received it but for posterity's sake here is the annual letter.
Family and Friends,
Budgeting season has sapped all of my brain power, which doesn't bode well for the quality of this year’s Christmas letter. Numbers, black and red, are definitely dancing through my head:
3,300—the number of miles for our round trip drive from Idaho to Iowa (to see Lisa’s sister). We took the scenic route which included a stop at Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, UT and then the lonely state highways through northern Colorado to look for moose (we saw two), a stop for dinner with some old friends in Ft. Collins and then a late night stop in Nebraska. It took some effort but we entirely avoided I-80 across southern Wyoming. By the time we got there Natali and Mack knew all 50 states in alphabetical order and I was ready to get out of the car and leave the kids behind for a work trip. I came back in time for the drive home past Chimney Rock, Nebraska. At that point I couldn't really skip a chance to drive through Yellowstone so we took the northern detour.
2,100—the number of miles on our road trip Glacier National Park (to meet several of my siblings and parents) and then on to Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada. It was definitely worth the drive as we saw spectacular wildlife and lots of bears. 5—the number of kids in our house after the birth of Emily Jane in April (named after two of our favorite authors Emily Dickinson and Jane Austen). Her red hair inherited from Lisa’s two grandmothers looks out of place with our blondes, but her easy going demeanor is welcome. She already has me wrapped around her finger and all she can do is look at me and giggle or smile. 6—the number of kids we’ll have next year. 100%--the likelihood that you believed that last false statement.
1—the number of cats in our household after Gimli’s disappearance and Perdita’s adoption. She joined the family three weeks ago and is making herself comfortable already. I’m struggling to type with her sitting on my lap. An hour ago there was a commotion by the Christmas tree and the next thing I knew Perdita was looking out at me from the branch beneath the star at the top of the tree. 55—the number of points BYU scored in the football game Mack, Andrew, and I attended. 16—the number of books read this year the best of which included The Path Between the Seas, Undaunted Courage and The Book Thief.
2—the number of hands Natali (now 8) uses when practicing the piano (that’s one more than I use). 3—the number of years Natali has participated in a Children’s Choir. 0—the chance for silence when Natali is around.
10—the number of goals Mack (now 7) scored in one soccer game this spring. 6—the number of times Mack used his season pass at the ski hill last winter. 4—the number of dollars Mack earned from the tooth fairy in one productive month this summer.
1.5—the number of hours it took for Andrew (now 5) to decide that it was better to go to kindergarten then to stay home as a child laborer. 167—the approximate # of animals that Andrew can identify. 33—the times he has asked this year to go to Alaska, Africa, or somewhere in between to look for animals.
It’s getting late and I should have sent this letter last week so I’m giving up on the numbers. Kate (now 3) still expects her blond curls to get her out of trouble. One night while trying to float on her back in the bathtub she said, “I need a kickstand for my bottom.” And I need one for my brain. As I reflect on another year gone by I stand in awe at the blessings we enjoy, the grace and mercy of our Savior that give us hope, and the peace to be found in an increasingly tumultuous world.
Merry Christmas, Love the Easton Family (Greg, Lisa, Natali, Mack, Andrew, Kate, and Emily)
Family and Friends,
Budgeting season has sapped all of my brain power, which doesn't bode well for the quality of this year’s Christmas letter. Numbers, black and red, are definitely dancing through my head:
3,300—the number of miles for our round trip drive from Idaho to Iowa (to see Lisa’s sister). We took the scenic route which included a stop at Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, UT and then the lonely state highways through northern Colorado to look for moose (we saw two), a stop for dinner with some old friends in Ft. Collins and then a late night stop in Nebraska. It took some effort but we entirely avoided I-80 across southern Wyoming. By the time we got there Natali and Mack knew all 50 states in alphabetical order and I was ready to get out of the car and leave the kids behind for a work trip. I came back in time for the drive home past Chimney Rock, Nebraska. At that point I couldn't really skip a chance to drive through Yellowstone so we took the northern detour.
2,100—the number of miles on our road trip Glacier National Park (to meet several of my siblings and parents) and then on to Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada. It was definitely worth the drive as we saw spectacular wildlife and lots of bears. 5—the number of kids in our house after the birth of Emily Jane in April (named after two of our favorite authors Emily Dickinson and Jane Austen). Her red hair inherited from Lisa’s two grandmothers looks out of place with our blondes, but her easy going demeanor is welcome. She already has me wrapped around her finger and all she can do is look at me and giggle or smile. 6—the number of kids we’ll have next year. 100%--the likelihood that you believed that last false statement.
1—the number of cats in our household after Gimli’s disappearance and Perdita’s adoption. She joined the family three weeks ago and is making herself comfortable already. I’m struggling to type with her sitting on my lap. An hour ago there was a commotion by the Christmas tree and the next thing I knew Perdita was looking out at me from the branch beneath the star at the top of the tree. 55—the number of points BYU scored in the football game Mack, Andrew, and I attended. 16—the number of books read this year the best of which included The Path Between the Seas, Undaunted Courage and The Book Thief.
2—the number of hands Natali (now 8) uses when practicing the piano (that’s one more than I use). 3—the number of years Natali has participated in a Children’s Choir. 0—the chance for silence when Natali is around.
10—the number of goals Mack (now 7) scored in one soccer game this spring. 6—the number of times Mack used his season pass at the ski hill last winter. 4—the number of dollars Mack earned from the tooth fairy in one productive month this summer.
1.5—the number of hours it took for Andrew (now 5) to decide that it was better to go to kindergarten then to stay home as a child laborer. 167—the approximate # of animals that Andrew can identify. 33—the times he has asked this year to go to Alaska, Africa, or somewhere in between to look for animals.
It’s getting late and I should have sent this letter last week so I’m giving up on the numbers. Kate (now 3) still expects her blond curls to get her out of trouble. One night while trying to float on her back in the bathtub she said, “I need a kickstand for my bottom.” And I need one for my brain. As I reflect on another year gone by I stand in awe at the blessings we enjoy, the grace and mercy of our Savior that give us hope, and the peace to be found in an increasingly tumultuous world.
Merry Christmas, Love the Easton Family (Greg, Lisa, Natali, Mack, Andrew, Kate, and Emily)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Random Happenings
This is my pile of pictures from the last few months.
Greg's best friend, Tom, lives in Utah so he and Greg went to the BYU vs. UNLV game in Provo. Our boys got new BYU gear and loved the game. Mack watched the whole game; Andrew played with Tom's girls.
The Monday after the game was wear your favorite team jersey day at school. The Easton's represented for BYU. We may not have had a great season - but you can't call us fair-weather fans.
We love rollers!
This is Mack's last basketball game. He loved it - he loves any activity with a ball. 
He was definitely one of the shorter 1st graders - but luckily some of the teams had some kindergartners and he was taller than most of them. He still managed to score about 2 baskets a game.
Don't be mistaken - Gimili has not returned! We got a new cat who looks eerily similar to Gimili. She is a female, a little smaller than Gimili, 8 years younger, and has a full face. She doesn't drool or barf - but she can climb to the top the of Christmas tree and loves to sneak attack you from under the bed. She came home from the shelter with the name Perdita and we just haven't come up with anything better - so I guess she is Perdita. Andrew carries her around like a baby (Gimili never would have put up with that) and he calls her his best friend. 
Snow, Snow, Snow! We have snow. It is actually sticking around and the kids enjoyed a legitimate snow day. They had snow cream for breakfast and played in the snow on and off all day long.
I lost the lens cap to the camera somewhere in the snow. I put it in my snow pants pocket and proceeded to pull the kids around the neighborhood in a sled - it could be anywhere - but we had a blast in the snow. Winter is here.
Greg's best friend, Tom, lives in Utah so he and Greg went to the BYU vs. UNLV game in Provo. Our boys got new BYU gear and loved the game. Mack watched the whole game; Andrew played with Tom's girls.
The Monday after the game was wear your favorite team jersey day at school. The Easton's represented for BYU. We may not have had a great season - but you can't call us fair-weather fans.
We love rollers!
This is Mack's last basketball game. He loved it - he loves any activity with a ball. 
He was definitely one of the shorter 1st graders - but luckily some of the teams had some kindergartners and he was taller than most of them. He still managed to score about 2 baskets a game.Don't be mistaken - Gimili has not returned! We got a new cat who looks eerily similar to Gimili. She is a female, a little smaller than Gimili, 8 years younger, and has a full face. She doesn't drool or barf - but she can climb to the top the of Christmas tree and loves to sneak attack you from under the bed. She came home from the shelter with the name Perdita and we just haven't come up with anything better - so I guess she is Perdita. Andrew carries her around like a baby (Gimili never would have put up with that) and he calls her his best friend. Snow, Snow, Snow! We have snow. It is actually sticking around and the kids enjoyed a legitimate snow day. They had snow cream for breakfast and played in the snow on and off all day long.I lost the lens cap to the camera somewhere in the snow. I put it in my snow pants pocket and proceeded to pull the kids around the neighborhood in a sled - it could be anywhere - but we had a blast in the snow. Winter is here.
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