My Barlow Sisters

My sister-in-law Lynette, is one of those amazing people you can't believe actually exist. She is an absolutely honest, accepting, comfortable person. She is an amazing seamstress http://www.ladydanburrysews.blogspot.com hard worker, supportive of her in-the-limelight husband, can crochet, cook, garden do about anything. She loves to wear dresses and skirts, most of it all made by herself. For Christmas she even make my kids Pajamas which they love. There is so much to learn from her. I'm sure often I seem so old, but she is a person I really admire and can learn from.

Then there is Marla whose husband is in the Navy. They have grown together and endured much together. He has been gone for a total of probably a few years worth of their marriage if you put it all together, even though they've both had health issues, they support one another and have two beautiful children. They have been though challenges I hope I never have to and I admire her for it.

Then there is Rebecca, sweet Rebecca. She was the first one of the family I knew I wanted to be part of my life. She had my husband and I out to their house from the time we first met and were dating and had us out almost every weekend until they moved. She'd make amazing dinners, melting rolls, always a smile and kind words. She had four babies while we lived here 3 in one year, twins and another baby, she is just one of those people who just keeps pushing forward endures through tough times and enjoys her family. Amazing mother, always with thoughtful advise and insights I really appreciate. Another example of service and family loyalty.

I was so excited to meet Mimi, the mother of six boys at the time of our marriage to add four more living children, a mother of ten. If there was a mother who can truly pull that off Mimi is the one, I've never even heard her really yell at her kids, the children love to help her, they have great respect for her, especially when they are older. She is an older sister I never had, I have learned a lot from her and appreciate her example, another person to exemplify.

Janeen, my husband's sister, died about five and a half years ago. I remember her coming up with her children to visit and our landlord wouldn't let them stay at our apartment, so we had to put them in a run-down hotel, but she was still grateful and appreciative. She knew the scriptures like the back of her hand, it was amazing. She dealt with some physical and mental challenges that would be so hard to endure, yet she did endure to the end. I look forward to the time I can met her when her body and mind will be perfected in the glorious time of resurrection.

I am grateful for the sister's I've added through marriage, I admire them and love them. Family is so important and when we look just in our own families we can find amazing treasures.

Someone Was Watching by David Patneaude

I just finished listening to this book on CD. A young adult book, if it was made into a movie I'd definitely see it. It would be more exciting if I knew this was based off a true story I almost want it to. It is about an eighth grade boy who lost his little sister, she disappeared one day presumed drowned, but.... you'll find out, but just so you know it does end well, if it didn't think I could have read this book if I didn't have the hope it would end well. A fun clean, wonderful adventure. Not an overly complex book with tons of layers, more simple and sweet. I'd give it three to four stars. Would recommend it to anyone, a nice read.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wrobleski

This was an interesting retelling of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. The uncle's name is even Claude (like in Claudius). You don't realize it's Hamlet until the tragic ending, you might have hints earlier, but it is different enough you don't know it is a true parallel until the end and then it all comes together in your mind. I thought parts of it were very well written and engaging. Other parts were written well enough but had too much unrelated detail that didn't apply to the story. You'll especially love this story if you love dogs. My sister Mary might like the references to sign language and communication without voice. It is about a young boy whose voice hasn't worked from a babe, so he and his parents use sign, though he can hear. (Parallels to Hamlet and his feelings of being unable to voice?). There is ghosts, mysteries, confused feelings and observations. I'd give it three or four stars, and feel like I could recommend it. I did skip some of the letters about breeding dogs and parts that had too much detail not directly related to the story, but in a whole good character development, I do like how the author writes from several different perspectives. Over all a good read.

Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz

I just finished this book, wow was it intense. It was probably the darkest book I've read, much darker than Harry Potter, but the same idea of good vs. evil. The real battle against good and evil. It had dark magic in it that was pretty intense and creepy. I was surprised it was a young adult book, but very well written, quite violent and graphic like his Alex Rider's series but covered some interesting subjects. Would I recommend this book? Yes and No. If it was made into a movie I don't know if I could handle it. I will probably continue onto book two, but probably wouldn't recommend it to myself years ago when I was less calloused. I would give it four or five stars, well written put together adventure/action novel.