Prayer for a Friend

My friend, Lori, could use some extra prayers right now.  I can't even begin to imagine what they've had to go through these past 10+ months as they have been dealing with a contested adoption.  Visit her most recent post here: We need your prayers.  You can also read Matthew's story here.

Awesome Stuff

Yesterday was kind of awesome, and I'll tell you why.

First, Daughtry is finally coming to Utah! Last time I saw them in concert, Troy and I had to drive 10 hours (each way!). They kept announcing tours, and there were never any stops in Utah. But they'll be at the E-Center on April 22nd. Just in time for my birthday. We got seats on row 12, which is further than I'd like (if only I would have gotten on my computer earlier, darn it), but closer than Troy would like, so I guess it all evens out.

The second cool thing was that I got this Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible in the mail yesterday. And guess what? I didn't have to pay for it. I review books for Thomas Nelson publishers, so it was free! I feel incredibly lucky for this opportunity, because this audio Bible is regularly $50.

What I've listened to so far is wonderful! It's not just someone reading the Bible, it's told in different voices for different people, with background music and effects. I really love it so far. I'll be reviewing it in full on my book blog after I've finished listening to it all.

Girls Night

Last night we had a Howell family girls night out, and even though we weren't like these totally awesome boogiers, we had a lot of fun. It would be nicer if Mindy lived closer, so everybody could be there, but some people think Vernal's just too cool to leave, I guess.

We went to see Leap Year, since that seemed to be the only movie that nobody said they really didn't want to see. We all had different opinions about it, ranging from loving it to not liking it. I thought it was just okay--very typical predictable chick-flick.

Then we went to Red Robin for dinner, and their smoothie blender was broken (yes, they only have one) which disappointed Mom and Felicia quite a bit. Felicia had to settle for just a coke with two lemons. The service was definitely not great, but the company was excellent, and I think we all had a good time.

There were times when some people almost got kicked out of the family (Felicia doesn't like Lord of the Rings, which should be punishable by death, if not at least banishment), there was lukewarm soup, there were also really loud laughers in the movie, which is one of the things I hate about going to theaters, but mostly there was lots of fun and good times.

Editing to add: And lo, Dallas was there, and she has very quiet sneezes that make me laugh, and she is much loved. :)

Kaitlyn blinking . . . or not

I got a workout video from the library, and it had a section to work out your face and neck. Kaitlyn did it with me. Most of our workout came from laughing. There was one part where you're supposed to blink rapidly, and Kaitlyn has a bit of a hard time. You can see for yourself here:




I think it's funnier if you've watched the workout video, too, but we were laughing so hard I almost peed my pants.

*Adding on, we decided to get Kaitlyn doing the workout video, for your viewing enjoyment. (It was a little dark in there, so the video is not great)

Just like hobbits

From Lord of the Rings:

Aragorn: Gentlemen! We do not stop 'til nightfall.

Pippin: But what about breakfast?

Aragorn: You've already had it.

Pippin: We've had one, yes. But what about second breakfast?

[Aragorn stares at him, then walks off.]

Merry: Don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.

Pippin: What about elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?

Merry: I wouldn't count on it.

This has been my boys lately.  I might just start calling them Merry and Pippin.  Kevin is off track from school, and all they want to do all day is eat.  By 9:00 they've had breakfast plus three snacks.  By 10:30 they are asking about lunch.  I don't know how they can't fit all the food in their tiny stomachs.

Dod's in my best

Tonight Ethan was reading one of his Bibles, and he looked up at me, and we had a conversation that went like this:

Ethan:  "You know Dod's in my best?" 
Me: "God's in your chest?" 
Ethan: "Yeah."
Me: "You mean Jesus is in your heart?"
Ethan: "Yeah."

Kevin's Karate

Kevin has been taking karate, and he loves it. I wish it was more than forty-five minutes a week, but I don't want to pay more than we do, so I guess it'll have to be enough.

Ethan Funnies

Here's a few funny things Ethan has said. I didn't want to forget them.

The first was when we were eating dinner, and he wanted more of something. I told him to ask me nicely, and he said, "Nicely."
Along the same line, Kevin was making him mad in the car today. Ethan was telling me he didn't want Kevin to talk to him, so I said ask him not to, and he turned to Kevin and said, "Not to."

Kevin was copying him the other day, and Ethan really doesn't like to be copied. He kept saying, "You not E-bear (that's his nickname), I E-bear. I not Kevin. I E-bear."

On Christmas morning, Kevin opened a Bakugan toy, and Ethan said, "Sorry, you have to share that."