An Angel Named Screwa

A few weeks back when decorating the tree at Grandma and Grandpa Jordan's home we noticed that at the top of the tree was a screw set to hold the top straight. Well, we all know how random the Jordan family can be, and soon there was a story being told about a little angel named Screwa whose job it was to screw the tops on to trees. I've come up with a poem for our little angel. Here's hoping you enjoy it, and if not well then I'm sorry okay.



An Angel Named Screwa

Twas a month before Christmas and all through the forest
A cry rang out in a loud chorus
If you listened intently you'd soon realize
It was from the trees that those echoes did cry
Said one tree to another "my top! my top!"
Answered another "I know it just flops!"
You see dear reader all the trees felt like wimps
For all of their tops had gone fairly limp
The trees all knew soon they were to be spangled
So what did they do? Well, they asked for an angel
One tree asked "should we send for Gabriel?"
"No" said another "he's busy, unavailable"
Still another cried "Well, what about Lori?"
"No, no" cried a chorus, "she's off singing glory."
Now the trees began to sob "Well, what shall we do ahh?"
"I know" shouted one tree "Call out for Screwa!"
So, the trees all called with one loud voice
"Please, oh please send Screwa forth!"
Suddenly with a light and a song
Came the tiny angel with her special tools on
Just one foot tall but full of direction
She lighted upon each forests section
Upon the tops she quickly alighted
To fix the problem their tree tops to tighten
So, how does she do it, you might just ponder
I'll tell you so you no longer need wonder
She carefully places the screw between knees
And then with just the right touch she gives them a squeeze
Then to each top to make them so firm
She sets the screw in, and herself gives a turn
She twists and turns then gently releases
The tree is all fixed up, all together no pieces
So, happy and joyful are all of the trees
And happy are we to have them you see
So, now if you give your tree top a look
You might just see fair Screwa's good work
And here is a lesson for all the year
Size doesn't matter, Screwa makes that clear
Thanks be to Screwa, thanks for answering the plea
For now we have this great big beautiful tree
And as you place your star up high
You know it stays up there because to your tree she did fly

Merry Christmas

I want to read THIS!!

Wow!! This is the smallest picture EVER!!

So, I haven't read this, but I think it looks really intriguing!! and I totally want to! I forgot to add this to my Christmas list, so I should probably check the Library!!

Anyways, just thought i would share a little piece of my real reading!

Love, R

Well, here is my grumpy post!! This is my current read!! This book is not fun!! It talks about American History, but in the MOST boring way possible. So, for a person that is not inclined to understand and like History, in general...This book is not at the top of my list!!

It is also like $69.00 used on Amazon so I wouldn't reccomend it for a casual read! And I will not be sharig this copy because in a week I will also be selling mine for th same price, without a cover and all!

R

Going Rogue: An American Life by Sarah Palin

Well, it can't come as a huge surprise that I would review this book. If it does, where have you been the last year and a half :)
I had high expectations of the Guv for this book, and she surpassed them. She has a wonderful sense of humor and I found myself laughing out loud many times. My favorite humorous section was her description of the Vice Presidential debate. The whole thing is funny, but the best part is Joe Biden stretching. She describes it so well.

There were also some sad parts. She actually had 2 miscarriages. My heart felt like it dropped when she wrote about the first one, and how the medical staff had first mistakenly written "abortion" in its paperwork. Her description of finding out her son would be born with Downs Syndrome is also quite touching.

It was really fun to read in her own words how she governed as a mayor, as a governor, and other positions in between. The lady is a Conservative, and a bit Libertarian to boot. The last part of her book really sets forth her vision for America and what direction we need to be heading in.

Her book is full of the faith she has in God, and in this country that He blesses.

All in all I give it many thumbs up and would recommend it to anyone.

She will be in Coeur d'Alene this coming Thursday. I'm looking forward to being able to get my copy of her book signed!

Elder Maxwell on Secularism

I know I've posted a lot of videos lately. Why spoil a good trend. This video is from a talk given by Elder Maxwell, I think in the late 70's. Just listening to him speak makes me feel smarter :) I love the point he makes at the end about the crowds in the great and spacious building.

The Founder's Almanac

This was an interesting book for me to read. It actually is more like a collection of writing. Several essays are written about prominent founders including George Washington, and Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and such. It was cool to find out some previously unknown information. My favorite part of the book was quotes from the founders on various subjects. You can look up subjects from religion and marriage, to democracy, republics and the free market and find a great quote from a well known founder. Also included are the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and Washington's Farewell Address. It's a good book to have on hand as a resource.

One Nation Under God

I recently saw this video and thought others would like to see it also. The artist is actually LDS, so that's kinda cool. Enjoy.

So, it's been quite a while since I've been on here. It looks as though everybody (except Rychelle, you seem to be better about checking it, and Sarah, of course) needs a reminder to come and check it out every so often. Anyway, I just finished reading a book that was really good. Better than I thought it was going to be. The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine. It is the same author of Ella Enchanted (which I also really enjoyed). This is a great story about finding courage. There is elements of magic, and mythical monsters, and a little bit of romance (not overdone, though). I highly reccommend this book. I hope everyone has a great day!
Jessaca

Women Walking and Rocking

Here is the footage from the Women's Fitness Celebration. What a fun event. My favorite part of the footage is when mom asks if it is recording and I confidently tell her no. Doh!! Anyway enjoy.

The Witches by Roald Dahl

I watched this movie when I was around 10 or 11. I was terrrified and freaked out and literally had nightmares for months because of this lady:

She is so scary and really freaked me out....She STILL GIVES ME CHILLS!!

Here is another picture from the movie. I wasn't afraid of this picture...

I was afraid of this...

So, a while ago, when Adam was bookshopping, He brought home The witches by Roald Dahl...as a joke.



I wasn't planning to read this...EVER... but desparation called and I picked it up and actually, it was really cute and fun and a great read. And the level is young enough for the older grandkiddies to read!

Chears to the people who chose Angelica Houston for the role of the Grand-High Witch...she was Great!! and scary!

Nick of Time

I haven't actually read this book. But, I've heard good things about it. It's apparently especially good for kids around 7-8. Nick, the hero, ends up traveling through time, from what I can gather to save his sister. There are apparently pirates involved.

Woah. Dad and I just finished reading the 4th Fablehaven book. Woah. It has been a great help for dad to keep him mind off what is happening with him physically. It's nice to now be able to talk to those who have finished the adventure so far. We love sharing this with others.

An Inspiring Video

I thought you all might enjoy this video. To me its a reminder of all of our great potential.

My Summer Reading

So...I have been reading lately, I just haven't blogged much this summer. I wish I had a great reason, but really it comes down to laziness, I mean I have been more productively engaged.

So here are some of the books I have read at this summer:

Central Park

This book is by Deborah White Smith. It is a modern novel with the story line of Mansfield Park by Jane Austin. I liked it. I have never been able to get through Mansfield Park, so I like this.

It is a Christian book, so they do talk about good morals and believeing in God. It wasn't enough to become annoying and since in the Austin book, the main guy was supposed to become a pastor anyways.

I would recommend for a fast, fun, easy read.

Twenties Girl

This book is by Sophie Kinsella. I thought this was a fun book. It is about a girl who sees her aunts ghost so she can help her aunt find her necklace. While finding the necklace, she unveils a huge mystery and falls in love.

It is what Deena calls a "fluff" book, but it was fun. It was not a must read. I really do like the rest of her books, though.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I started reading this because I wanted to remember the book before I saw the movie. I really liked it. It reminded me how you really get sucked into the books. I love that the stories are totally interwined. I like that book 2 becomes such an important book at this point...since it never really fit before.

It was fun to read!

Twilight Series

I started this earlier this summer. I read the first and put my review...but as I read the last 3 books, I really enjoyed them and, of course, found my self SUCKED in. Eclipse is still my favorite, and #3 really was a lot better the second time, though I did like having the suspense of Alice's plot unknown to me the first time.

Brisingr

This is the 3rd in the Eragon Series (man, I read a lot of series this summer)...I really liked it...I am not sure what to write about it, it is easier just to talk to another who has read it...I will be happy after the 4th book comes out, and then the story will be complete. I think the books will be really dull if you are not into all of them and the stories.

I think these books read similar to the Lord of the Rings in that there is a whole new world created and similar creatures. What is different is that Tolken has seperate books recalling the history of the land and in the Eragon books it is all intermixed...I like it but others might not.

::To read::

Fablehaven (A is already on #2...I keep falling asleep in #1 b/c I am tired...)

My Sisiter's Keeper

Sew Waht! Bags

I just finished the book The Two Princesses of Bamorre. When I finished it, my thought was that in a few years my granddaughters might really enjoy this book. It is by the same author as Ella Enchanted, which is another book that my granddaughters might really enjoy. Then I went to update my goodreads books and realized that most of the books that I have read this year are young reader books. HMMMM does that mean that I have a very youthful outlook on life? The only other types I have really read this year are informative or self help. Maybe I need to branch out and read some classics. But then, I do really enjoy the young reader books.

We just finished book 3 of Fablehaven. I just went and got book Four. We have already read the first chapter. I am excited to keep sharing them as a family.

Cute Kids Declaring Their Independence

I've been getting sucked into books recently and it's pretty fun. I finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo which was awesome. The depth of the characters made the story so much better, and actually the movie strays quite a bit from the original story line. I think partly because of the movie I was expecting there to be certain things to end happily that never did, and I was bummed about that, but it was still good (I actually finished reading this Dumas novel, which is better than my attempt at The Three Muskateers that was to flowery for me).
I also read The Icing on the Cake, which I must say that I really liked even though it was cheesy. It's written by an LDS author Elodia Strain. I'm quite a sucker for chick flicks, and this book reflects the too-good-to-be-true love story with lots of comedy in it. Different ends of the spectrum here, but I think I'd recommend both: one for action and the other for reading while you do girly things like a facial and eating cream puffs.

Beautiful Video

Heather sent me this video, and I was really touched by it. These dancers are amazing and their message is beautiful. Thanks Heather for sharing it.

When I was in Nampa one day I picked up Angels and Demons and started reading it. I was hooked. It has a riviting story line, but is totally not believable since everything happens in just over a day and no person could really survive all those death defying experiences and not at least eat. It has some pretty dark moments.

After reading that one I needed to read a book that was total fluff. Jessaca let me borrow the book Icing on the Cake that she had borrowed from her niece. It was totally fluff, very predicable and I enjoyed reading it. Now what next?

Help Governor Palin

So, I don't know if you guys know this, but I'm kind of a fan of Governor Palin. The website I most frequent is www.conservatives4palin.com
This week they are hosting a webathon in order to get rid of the legal bills she has been forced to acrue due to ethics complaints, all of which she has been cleared of. Please spread the word on this effort, and then go to www.conservatives4palin.com in order to find out how you can help.
Thanks guys.

Rychelle did it first!!

I'm posting a quick, not about books/movies blog entry. I just wanted to let everyone know that I set up a new blog for Matthew and I and the kids. I added a link to it on the blog list on this blog, so check it out. Give me like a week or so, though, b/c I'm still in California, and there's nothing really on the new blog yet. Happy reading!!
Sarah Elizabeth

To Boldly Go...

Matthew, Mom and I went to see Star Trek. That would be the second time that Mom saw it, which is weird because I wouldn't classify mom as a Trekkie, but we all went on her invitation. Great movie, great plot line thanks to another masterstoke of JJ Abrams. I know that many of you have already seen the movie, so I'll just say that the three of us agreed that Captain Kirk is the man for taking so many hits to the face in one day, and being choked twice. Another man would atleast have to stop to grab a snickers bar and/or a blood transfusion in order to take on the Rombulains. On a side note: Can anyone confirm my suspisions that Uhara is Lisa Turtle from Saved by the Bell?

I was featured

So, I took a challenge on Brassy Apple Blog, to refurbish a T-shirt and then to post the tutorial on blog and the post a link on thier site...letting them know about your tutorial. I have refurbished a few T's...I think it is really fun...so I thought I would try to come up with my own idea...AND I DID.

I made/re-created a T-shirt into a cape. At my house it is an "Evil Knight" cape. Will loves it.

The point to this is that another blog saw this and features my idea on her blog!! I was super excited and I feel a little cool. you can check out my featured cape here...and you can look at my tutorial here...

Thanks for listening (reading)...I thought you would be excited for me, eventhough this isn't a book post, but I do have one coming.

I've been on a bit of a book kick lately, and I must say it's fun. Especially to Rychelle: I just read The Host by Stephanie Meyer and I think I liked it better than her Twilight series, so that might be worth a try to feel better about her works. Just FYI it is about aliens, and I have warned mom about that but she also wants to read the book, I thought it quite the page turner.

I also finished reading the second book in the Goose Girl (Books of Bayern) series. It's called Enna Burning, and like Jessaca I didn't think it was as good as the first book, but it got better and better the more I read. I loved it by the end.

I have heard from several sources that Ella Enchanted, the book, was so much better than the movie, I was a little skeptical about reading the book. I really like the movie, and I didn't want to be disappointed in the movie after reading the book. What I found was the book is indeed delightful. I very much read it. However, the movie and the book are so different, that if you watch the movie with the idea of being entertained, there isn't any reason to be disappointed. Other than the basic premiss, and the characters having the same names and some of the same charitaristics, and a very few incidents, they really are very different works. I very much enjoyed both. I have the book for anyone who would like to borrow it. I also have the movie.

Liberty and Tyranny A Conservative Manifesto by Mark Levin

I have been reading quite a few books lately about political things. I'm sure none of you knew that :) Anyway, this book was one of the best so far. Mr. Levin just lays out Conservative principles and the utter lack of those principles being used in the recent past. I absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn what Conservatism is supposed to be about. Newsflash *our last President was not a great example of Conservatism*
I've called myself a Conservative with a healthy respect for Classical Liberalism. The thing is neither one of those principles seems to really exist much these days (there are a few). It's all about Progressivism, it just depends on which speed you want to go.
Anyway, the book is a pretty fast read, and incredibly informative and eye-opening.

A book we read

As most all of you have already read the book "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane", I will simply say that our family loved it! We used it as our Sunday activity for a few weeks and just finished tonight. What a delightful story.
Sarah Elizabeth

Miracle in East Harlem, and Inkheart

I recently finished the book The Miracle of East Harlem. The book discusses the education system in a school district of East Harlem. It had been the poorest performer in the area, and alot of people had just given up hope. The school district got some people on board who really believed they could turn the district around. They did so by making it a free market type of system. Teachers and administrators were encouraged to develop the type of curriculum they wanted and then were encouraged to actually apply it. Parents and students were encouraged to choose which ever school they wanted. The schools that got a lot of students stuck around, those that did not, went back to the drawing board. The system worked out beautifully. The book is written with some wonderful honesty and some great stories of success. I highly recommend it as a book and also as a system that I wish school districts would adopt.
I also recently finished Inkheart. It was a well written and enchanting book. The story does not so much take you into a different world as it brings a different world to you. I don't want to give much of it away. But, I did think that it was a fun read and look forward to reading the 2nd in the series.

I just finished reading Carol Tuttle's new book on Energy Profiling called It's Just My Nature. I love the information that I teach. This book had some very good insights. I have it available for anyone that would like to borrow it. I really do believe that understanding energy profiling has made a difference in how I relate with my family. The book itself has a lot of typos. She is also a salesman, so she refers a lot to other classes you can take or products you can order. But being able to look past those things and getting to the meat of the information was very good.

Twilight...the second time around

Twilight...

I realize it is a religion with some...so I need to tread and use my words lightly. The first time I read it, it took me about 1/2 way through to really like it. And then, I couldn't put it down, neither the 2nd or 3rd books and I read them all within a week. As school ended this semester, I found myself needing a trivial read and so I picked up Twilight, to read it a second time. I must say...I am not impressed. Yes, the story is good. The love story is sweet, but I found myself having zero desire to read it all the way through. I just got bored with all her thoughts and the story...

I do say this. Twilight, does what it is supposed to do. It sucks you in and lets you enjoy a sweet love story. I wouldn't go so far as to say it is great literature.

So, I am happy that I got to read the series, but I won't read it again!

I give it 2 1/2 to 3 popcorn's.

and don't get me started on the movie and the fact that Edward was not cute and it had tainted the Edward my mind wanted to create in the 2nd read!!!

2 Cute Boys and . . . A Baby Hippo

More Baby Hippo

Will Vlog

Mary Roberts Rinehart

I just finished 3 novels and 4 short stories by Mary Roberts Rinehart. Wow! As Matthew, and anyone who really knows my reading tastes will tell you, I like mystery novels, and British literature. Almost without exception, I have hated every American novelist who's works I've read. Until now. Rinehart is considered one of the first, and best American novelists. She, along with Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy Sayers, revolutionized the mystery genre. Her books are clean, entertaining, witty, and never a dull moment to be found. Her best work, of the ones I read, would have to be the "Window at the White Cat". Wonderful! Give Rinehart a try when you get a chance.
Sarah Elizabeth

We just finished reading the second book of Fablehaven together. It was definitely a page turner. Very well written. Very enjoyable. We have them for anyone that would like to borrow them.

Real Christianity by William Wilberforce

This is a book that I have been wanting to read for quite some time now. William Wilberforce was one of the driving forces behind ending the British slave trade and eventually slavery throughout Great Britain. The movie Amazing Grace is about him. I knew he had written this book and was anxious to get my hands on a copy. Unfortunately versions in the original 18th century English are pretty expensive. I read a modern language version. I still would dearly like to own an original language version, because after all I can understand quite a bit of what the Bible says for instance.
But, I digress.
I highly highly recommend this book. I have actually already loaned it out. I think its message is so absolutely timely for us today. He discusses authentic faith as opposed to cultural faith. He really understood some important Gospel principles. He also discusses the great need that his nation at that time had for authentic faith. In some passages I would say out loud "William did you write this about today?" It just really fits. He talks about that the most patriotic thing we can do is live with authentic faith, because that more than anything else will have the greatest positive effect on our nation.
Amazing book. Please please read and please pass it on to others. I've been telling people all week they should read it.
20 Thumbs way up!

ENNA BURNING

I just finished reading this book today, which is a sequel to The Goose Girl, but told from the point of view of a different character. The first half of the book was a little hard to get through. Not bad, but not as good as The Goose Girl. As the book went on, it got quite a bit better. Although some of it was a bit over the top, I find myself connected to the characters and feeling a little sad that it's over. There is one more book from the series titled River Secrets. I think I will read it sometime. I do recommend this book. It is a pretty easy read.

My Book Review

TWO THUMBS DOWN!!

I totally would not recommend this book to ANYONE. A complete snooze (even if you are into this kind of thing). The book it a ton of money, and just leaves a big, huge QUESTION MARK above your head.

Avoid at all costs!!

R

Applied Economics by Thomas Sowell

Mr. Sowell is now one of my favorite authors. This book was fantastic. It really helped me to understand the importance of, what he referred to as, seeing beyond stage one.
He discusses this with some particular candor about politicians. So, many politicians only see the next election in front of them. So, they do what they feel will please the masses at the time, rather than what is going to be good for us in the long run. It is so true, and it is so evident in our time.
Some of the things that Mr. Sowell specifically addresses are medical care, housing, business, immigration and discrimination. He gives a thorough and fair analysis of all of these things. I found the chapter on medical care particularly interesting seeing what the government is currently attempting and of course working in health care myself. He is able to give a lot of details about what the plan for our healthcare system would do to us, because there are other countries that are trying it right now, like Great Britain. It's pretty much flop and headed for disaster.
Anyway, it is an excellent read. I highly recommend it. For me, who had only a passing interest at best in economic issues before, it was a fairly easy read and completely understandable.
It is also very clear that America needs a good dose of reality and forward thinking.
Also, on a quick note I finished reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis today, per mom's suggestion. I thought it was fantastic. I had to make sure I only read it during the day :) The ending was surprisingly touching. I also really enjoyed reading the additional section of Screwtape proposing a toast. It talked a lot about democracy and totally related to stuff going on right now.
Love ya
Sarah Emily Jordan

The Moon is Down

This is my first post on the blog. Hope it goes well. When I took a sick day, I thought to myself, hey maybe you should do something that is good like read a book. So that's what I did. I asked Sarah to go to the library and find me a short Steinbeck book. I am a fan of Steinbeck. His books are so gritty. And I can't help myself, I love gritty.

Anyways, Sarah found a book that I had never heard about, but I enjoyed immensely. The Moon is Down is a book that takes place in a small town during World War II that is occupied suddenly. The beginning of the book shows the absurdity of war. In the beginning the mayor's wife does not know what the etiquette is when having the occupying leaders over.

The book's main focus is on the spirit freedom. Steinbeck does a great job of showing how life would be easier for the occupied if they just followed what their captors asked them to do. But people yearn freedom. You can not stop it. No matter what you try people will fight for freedom even if it makes them hungry, or lonely, or if they die. People will be free.

In vintage Steinbeck, the ending takes some time to digest. I love his endings. After I closed the book, I had to ponder for a while. That's why I love his endings.

It was a comforting book. Steinbeck and comforting do not usually go hand in hand, but in this case it works. For all you people who are a little bit afraid of Steinbeck, this is an easy read and it does not have the bad words that some of his books do. A great book to jump into this great author with.

Peace on Earth (A Twirling Leaf Production)

Okay guys, I listen to Christmas music year round. So, a friend recently sent me this version of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." That song did not do much for me, until after September 11th, and that is when I really got the message of it. So, there is some element of that in the video. The thing that gave me the greatest peace after September 11th was when they built a temple in Manhattan, so that's in this too. Consider this a rough draft. I would like to include more of my in-laws, so maybe kid photos or something, cause gosh darn it my in-laws are like real siblings for me. Also, any suggestions about which temples you might want included would be great. Anyway I hope you get some pleasure at watching this rookie attempt at video making. Hugs and Kisses.
Sarah

Media Malpractice

A few people saw this video with me when I was home last. It is really well done. The film's producer does a fantastic job of detailing the media's blatantly biased role in the last election from the primaries and even post election.
John Ziegler actually this past week went to an event where Katie Couric was to receive an award for her election coverage. He wanted to pass out copies of his video and also to get into the event itself. He ended up getting handcuffed and detained. It is some pretty wild stuff.
He has a website at www.howobamagotelected.com if you want to learn more about the video.
In regards to the media I have been feeling for a while that something really needs to be done. I know Sarah has voiced the same feeling to me and I'm sure others feel the same. Not sure what to do about it. But, picture this: having the crowds of people at the 3 major morning news shows at the same time turn their backs on the cameras and hosts. People could be wearing t-shirts or something expressing that we feel the media has turned their backs on all of us, who just want to know the truth. It would also be good to start a website called March on the Media or something that details their bias.
Whoops, looks like I'm getting confused about which blog I'm on.
Anyway, if you get the chance watch this video. It's good stuff. It also includes the full 40+ minute interview with Gov. Palin.

I just finished reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I highly recommend this book and especially to read as a family. It is very easy reading. I read it in less than 24 hours with lots of other stuff going on. Lizzy recommended it to me, and she is right about it being a very good book. I have it so you can borrow it from me any time you want.

Deena

I finally met the two weeks challenge a week late. I finished reading Jane Austin's Sense and Sensibility. I very much enjoyed reading it, but it was a rather hard one to always keep track of. I will read another Jane Austin, but I am ready for a fast easy read. The next one I am going to read is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Lizzy recommended this book to me. Very cute Vlogs!!!!!! Good going Sarah

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Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg

This is another heartwarming tale great for reading just before bedtime.
Actually it is a great read for some historical perspective particularly on the U.S. progressive movement. The author discusses several fascistic movements in detail including Mussolini and Hitler.
He discusses how the Liberal agenda, or Progressive agenda, has quite a few similarities to the principles of fascism.
It is particularly eye-opening to read more about Woodrow Wilson and FDR.
It's a good read and certainly helped me to gain more perspective on the current political climate.
My take on progressivism: thanks for giving me the right to vote (though I think that probably would have come eventually anyway) now go away. The question I always ask is "progress to what end?"
Anyway I suggest this book for some good historical perspective.

I will be getting up the VLOG post as soon as I can. The download process to my computer is taking quite some time.

This is a combined post. We finished Fablehaven Number 1 tonight. It is a very exciting and well written book. Almost the same class as Harry Potter. We all highly recommend this book. It might be a little scarry for young children, but definitely Zeke would enjoy it. We are looking forward to reading the second book soon. James even priveledged us with illistrations as we were reading and did an oragami book mark for us.

A Hodge Podge from Shan

I have a few movies I've seen recently and a few books. Going back to childhood, like Adam sugested, James and I watched Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler. This was actually a really cute movie and suprisingly clean (as Sandler movies go). Another awesome movie Iwould highly recommend is one that dad got from somebody at the temple. It is called Why are You Waiting and it's a lecture by a food storage specialist for the southwest region of the church. I think her name is Wendy DeWitt and it really helped me to realize how realistic food storage can be...now I just have to get money to do it...hmmmm. James can make a copy of it for anyone that would like.

Okay, and now for my book hodge podge. I've been reading Fablehaven by Brandon Mull with mom, dad & Steve. It's AWESOME! I think we should finish it tonight. I have also been trying to read more classic novels, so right now I'm reading Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. It's a little slow reading at first with a lot of nautical terms, but i've found it quite interesting none the less, especially to think about how I would be able to survive just figuring out how to live life on my own without all the comforts that I have...that and it's been interesting when Crusoe had a change of heart and really turned to God and how his perspective became a lot more positive. I have also been reading the first of two volumes of the Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I've had to take breaks and read other books while I've read it. I would suggest maybe reading one at a time instead of all, it gets really repeditive. His first book, A Study in Scarlet, is also grossly inacurate as one of the murders happens to have been because of this whole thing with the saints in Salt Lake forcing a woman to marry a palygamist, and that just put a bad taste in my mouth. I think the short stories of his are the best though.

This is really long, and a lot of stuff...and yet we still had time to rock out!

I finished reading The Screwtape Letters this morning. I highly recommend this to others. C.S Lewis has a lot of insights into so many things with life and how Satan uses them against us, and also how much our Heavenly Father is willing to allow us to mess us and still get back into His love forgiveness. At the end of the book is a section that the auther wrote later called Screwtape gives a toast. His forward is included. I was touched by what he had to say about writing The Screwtape letters in how it was not enjoyable for him at all as he had to get into the realm of thinking the way the devils think. I appreciated his sharing that and that he was willing to go there for a short time to share with us the insights that he has.

Prepare for THE VLOG

Well, I guess when you put a video on a blog it is actually called vlogging. I am planning on being home this weekend for Easter. I'm bringing along a camcorder and would like to invite any of the kids that want to talk about a book they have read to VLOG about it.

The Poisonwood Bible

Wow! Not my favorite book in the world, but definitely one for bringing up some deep issues. The premise is a Baptist minister from Georgia relocates his family of 5 (all women/girls, besides himself) to the Congo to bring the heathen peoples there to the light of Christ. Barbara Kingsolver tells the story through journal entries from each of the 4 women/girls in the family. That was a stroke of genius b/c you get so many different views of the same situations and happenings. While this book is a work of fiction, Kingsolver really did her homework and has tried to make the surroundings as historically and socially accurate as possible; which I always really appreciate. The biggest questions it raised for me were: What would I do if I were to be plunked down in the Congo for a year's time? How would I react to/interact with the native peoples? Could I do it at all?
All in all, a good read, 3 stars for good writing and interesting social/emotional questions.
Sarah Elizabeth
P.S. The book is about 550 pages long, but it reads rather quickly (I was able to do it in 5 days) so don't let the length deter you.

Blog Background

So...I want to make a cool background for our blog, but that will take time, so, for now, I thought we could have holiday themes...

Hopefuly it won't take me too many holidays!!

If you hate it...Let me know...I will work harder and faster and get some more imagination...or go bad to boring...I mean simple;)!!

Love, Rychelle

Sons and Daughters of LIBERTY

This is a post from Daddy Jordan under the disguise of Mama Jordan. I was able to listen to the 5000 year leap while I have been working in the flower garden and also down stair cleaning the store room. The store room looks pretty good by the way. Trying to prepare for the future by getting space ready for the needed food storage. Back to the book. I find it fascinating how far we have drifted from the founding fathers intentions for this blessed country. If we believe in the inspired creations of the constitution then we have to find a way to change the direction of the present course that has been set over the past several administration. It may be easier to back up to a safer time (as far as the constitution is concern) and then set a new course rather then try and set a new course from where we are now. Though it is a sobering book to go through I think it can give us a wake up call to become the sons and daughters of liberty again. I am glad to have gone through the book and hope many of you will be able to read it or listen to it. I have the CD if any one wants to borrow it.

Dad

I was thinking I needed to wait until I finished reading a book before I posted again. I am half way with Sense and Sensability. I have acutally enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The past few days dad has worked very hard to clear out the storage room. In doing so we found quite a few older books. I have offered Zeke quite a few of them to read and then bring back. Heather took a few. There are some others that are here if you are intersted. Just let me know. This is a great way to keep in touch.

Harry A History by Melissa Anelli

If your not tired of Harry Potter, I read this book a while back. It is written by the lady who runs The Leaky Cauldron one of the really popular Harry Potter websites.
Anyway, it gives a lot of fun background insight into the series and its fans. The author interviewed lots of people including Jo Rowling, several times. She even has a chapter where she interviewed the lady who was going through a bunch of court cases to get the books banned from the school library.
It's a fun read. You will relate to some of the memories of excitement for the books, midnight parties and such. It really is from the fans perspective.

Side note: I couldn't be happier about the response to this blog. It is so fun to hear from all of you. I think I must be the most blessed person on the planet. I have family who I consider my best friends and friends that I consider like family. Big hugs from Spokane Washington.

I just finished reading a really great book titled "The Goose Girl". Shanelle is actually the one who told me about the book (and let me borrow it). It is a book with many great elements. Elements of romance, of war and betrayal, of magic and legends. It is also a great story of finding one's self. It is very well written, in my opinion, and I highly recommend it. It is written by Shannon Hale and is part of a 3 part series. I have already ordered (from Amazon, of course) the 2nd book, and hope that it is just as good as the first. Happy reading everyone!

Jessaca

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC

So, I have both read and watched this movie!! I love it. The book is definately better. But, both are fun and I will own the movies when it is out! The books (there is a series) are set in London and the main girl is obsessed with getting a good deal and buying designer clothes, needless to say she is in debt. So,

• she hides from creditors,
• becomes the financial spokesperson on a television show and of course,
• falls in love with the dream guy (not the collector!!).

It is great. The movie is a bit different, for one it is set in NY, but definately watching worthy.

I suppose I was attracted to these books b/c of my love of "chic-lit"and the name, I being a "shopper"and lack the ability to balance a checkbook! So, if you like a cute and fun read, w/o the steamy love scenes....CHECK THIS OUT!!

And all the info is: The books are written by: Sophie Kinsella--I really like her other books, as well.

books for a childhood

Because I am engrossed in my studies, I often delving deep in the horrible parts of humanity. I find myself wanting a return to childhood in one form or the other. I think back on the books I read and the places that they took me. it was a simpler time in my life, when the good guys always won, and the bad guys weren't that dangerous. these are the books I love to read when I feel that being an adult is a little to much, The Chronicles of Narnia, Where the Wild Things are, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Hobbit, and the One I am Currently reading The BFG, the other night I was reading in bed and it was the part about Whizzpoppers I was laughing so long it hurt. good times. need to lighten up your day, my suggestion read your favourite book from your childhood and believe in a simpler time in your life.

brought to you from the cornfields of IOWA

So, Todd and I went and saw the movie "Knowing" a couple of weeks ago. I have to say, it's a creepy movie. I really don't want to say much about the story line, just in case somebody is planning to see it. I don't know that I would recommend it, although it would be nice to get other people's opinions about the movie. I would, however, suggest that Mom never see this movie.

Jessaca

The Ultimate Gift

I don't know if you guys have seen this one. The acting gets a little corny at times. But, the message is really great. It really gets to the heart of what is most important. It's a feel good type along the lines of Facing the Giants.

Leatherheads: A Surprisingly Fun Movie

I do believe that Matthew and I are posting the first movie review on this blog. Yippee!! A couple of weeks ago we watched Leatherheads starring George Clooney, "Jim" from The Office, and Renee Zelweger (sp?). FUNNY! FUNNY! FUNNY! It's set in the 1920's and tells the story of how pro football kind of got started. The football isn't a huge focal point though (Jessaca). The dialogue is quick and witty, and quite clean for a PG-13 movie. Matthew's favorite scene is the "fight" scene between George Clooney's character and the character played by The Office guy. Hilarious!! We recommend this movie with 3 1/2 stars.

Oh, you won't be able to find it at Redbox, probably. We rented it from the MovieCube at Fred Meyer's. We have found that it has a bigger selection, and almost never a line.

Love it!!

What a fantastic idea!! I'm so excited about being a part of this! We just started up an RS book group in my ward, we've only read one so far. It was Cathrine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman. It's a YA book, so a quick read. Set in the middle ages complete with village maidens, rushes on the floor and fleas galore. It was cute, not my favorite, but cute. Heather, you may want to give this one a try b/c it is a quick read, and does have some factual basis in the Middle Ages. No swearing, by today's standards, but Catherine does spend part of the book trying to find the perfect swear word. She settles on "God's Thumbs!" Now I'm on to The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I'm going to try the 2 week challenge with this one that Mom mentioned in her last post. I guess this one was on Oprah's booklist, which I usually try to avoid b/c I think that woman wields way too much power over the female population in this country. Oh well.
Sarah Elizabeth

P.S. If anyone comes across any good books for boys that are NOT fantasy literature, would you post it here. I'm trying to help Zeke get a good range of reading and there's just not a whole lot out there for young boys. Thanks!!

How to Break a Terrorist by Matthew Alexander

For a really great beddy time book check out How to Break a Terrorist! It actually was a fascinating read. The author, Matthew Alexander is not his real name, worked as an intelligence agent in Iraq. The methods that he used were more along the lines of building relationships of trust rather than control and force. His methods were remarkably successful. It is interesting to read how some of the lives of our soldiers were saved.
Warning, there is quite a bit of swearing especially in the beginning. There are quite a few times where there are sentences blacked out, and he never gives a reason. But, I've thought about taking a marker and just blacking out some of the swearing since the method is already used in the book.
Anyway, I thought it was a good read, despite some of the language. I'm glad to know they are using more effective methods to protect our soldiers and us.

Last Saturday Steve challenged all of us living at Camden Pl to read a book in two weeks. He committed to reading Don Quiote(?) in Spanish. I have committed to reading the actual words on a page my first Jane Austin book. A while ago dad got me the complete works in a really big book. I decided to start with Sense and Sensibility. I have read 9 chapters so far. Any one that would like to join us in the challenge would add to the fun of it.

On not reading Picture Books

Well, in 2008 I tried to read 2 books a month and was able to read 42. This year I'm going to try and improve my literacy and my book count by breaking the 50 mark. That means I'll have to read somewhere around book a week. I also really try not to have them all be picture books, even though those munchkins love them.

Lizzie, Rem and I just finished reading the Wizard of OZ which is really an allegory of the economic situation in 1890 in the US. (For instance the yellow brick road represents the Gold Standard, OZ is and ounce of Gold, the Scarecrow represents farmers, the Tin man factory workers, etc. etc.) The kids loved it, but I did stop before they melted the witch. Sarah, you know how I love to read socialist books.

Also, I've just finished reading Freakenomics, which is not as intellectual as your econ book Sarah, but talked about how we are all motivated by incentive whether you're a KKK member, a Sumo wrestle, or a Teacher. Now I've got Jeff turned on to it, and he's enjoying it. Warning: if you are planning to read it, the author has some very controversial views on why crime rate have gone down. As with everything I think that statistical number reflect some truth, but it doesn't mean it's easy to accept. Also his conclusion contradicts with some moral views I have so for the sake of mystery, I'll just say that one crime does not right another.

This last week I've finished the second book in the Fabenhaven series, which is a Young Adult book. Zeke would probably love this since he's braved Harry Potter already. I enjoyed the 2nd book in particular because it is kind of like Harry Potter meets Indiana Jones. I hope you enjoy reading them out loud all you Camden Place residents.

And now that I'm done with that, so I can completely round out my genres, I'm reading Mansfield Park, and practicing my English accent. Thanks for letting me borrow it Shanelle. I'll try and get it back to you soon.

Great blog idea Sarah! We can also link all our book list together at

http://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?i=LTM2MDYzMTc3MTc6MzE2%0A

I think that Mom, Shanelle, Rychelle and I are the only ones on right now, but sign up and be our friends.

I am currently reading The Screwtape Letters. I highly recommend this book. It is so insightful with the way Satan thinks about temptations. I know that some of the Prophets have quoted this book. At first I wondered if it would be "yucky", but it isn't. Not one bit. I always feel inspired after reading it.

A Conflict of Visions by Thomas Sowell

Thomas Sowell is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I'm currently reading Applied Economics and will post about that one as well later on.
A Conflict of Visions is a brilliant and fascinating take on the roots of political struggles based on the visions which drive ideology. He does a fantastic job of discussing the differences without being biased.
The two visions he identifies are the Unconstrained Vision and the Constrained Vision. He goes into a great amount of detail on the origins of both and recent and relevant of examples of both.
I'm not sure that I can boil the two down very well without going into a great deal of detail. But, I'll give it a try. For starters the Unconstrained Vision (UV) focuses on the importance of equality of things and the Constrained Vision (CV) focuses on the importance of equality of opportunity. If your kids are in a 100 meter dash the UV believes that all the kids should get the same trophy for participation and the CV believes that trophies should be given in order of performance and that all of the kids will have better performances because they are in competition. The French Revolution is the UV, the American Revolution is the CV. The Garden of Eden is UV, life after the garden CV.
It's all way more in depth than that, but it's a start. Most of us will find elements of both in our own beliefs but leaning more one way. It certainly helped me understand and even appreciate the other side of the equation for me.
It's a great read. I highly recommend it.
Sarah Emily Jordan

A Place for Jordans and Friends To Write About Reading

I have always enjoyed reading. This started growing up when my family would gather around and read books together. From the Chronicles of Narnia to Little House on the Prairie to Harry Potter. It was a fun tradition and I appreciate having a love of reading introduced from a young age. We also really enjoy movies. Quoting movies is one of the favorite pastimes around a Jordan household.
I thought it would be fun for my family to have a place to discuss the books we have recently read or are currently reading and to discuss movies past and present that we have enjoyed. Of course anyone is invited to also contribute via comments or let me know if you want to be a contributing author.