Winter is Coming

It has been a while. But that is obvious. The biggest things that have happened in the last couple of months are as follows:

1 - We found out that we're having another boy.

2 - Leeroy, Spock, and Raptor have relocated to an apartment since their house will not be completed before Angel and Spock have their babies.

3 - School has started for Kanga and Tigger.

4 - My last sibling, Babe, went into the Missionary Training Center

5 - Winter is coming



Kanga isn't sure what to think about this third little brother in her life. She was really hoping for a little sister. I think a big part of that is looking for some solidarity and looking for a playmate. However, I don't think she realizes that by the time this child will be old enough "to play" with, Kanga will be a pre-teen and many not be interested in the same things. I'm also pretty sure that she doesn't realize the position she will be in with her brothers. She is the oldest and will be the non-parent authority in the house. She's also a lot like her father and likes to be an expert on things. Based on the the temperaments of her brothers, I think she will be looked up to in many ways. She has the opportunity to become her brothers' best friend or greatest advocate. As much as my younger self would remain silent on the issue, I looked up to my older sister a lot. She was intelligent, friendly, and a lot of fun to spend time with. She still is - Thanks, Muscles! Anyway, Kanga is getting used to the idea and I know that the relationship that she will have with her mother will always be special. Angel and her mother share some special things and Lydia, while attached to her father, is very much a mamma's girl. It will be a fun adventure to watch her and do my best not to screw it up.


The house is a lot quieter without an extra three people around. The kids have done well at making it a mess as if we had three other people in the house with us, but there is a decided difference to the evenings and the space. It is good to have our house back to ourselves. Leeroy, Spock, and Raptor were good guests. They payed rent, they helped with chores, they did their best to respect our space and family boundaries. They were fun to play games with, watch movies with, talk with, and hang out. They were better house guests than Angel and I have been. It wasn't always easy but I don't regret our helping them.

It's interesting how different it is being the host instead of the house guest. We've lived with my in-laws twice during our marriage and my wife has lived with my parents two additional times for a couple of months. That was one of the my reasons for inviting Leeroy and Spock to live with us. Others have been so helpful to us that I felt obligated to also help others. I know that such a reason would not be enough to open their home to family or friends the way we did. My grandmother was always concerned about us - not because of who we had living with us - because of the situation it causes. As the saying goes "Familiarity breeds contempt." I won't say that there weren't some arguments and such. We got them sorted out and we all survived the experience with our (good) relationships intact.


Kanga and Tigger are both in full time school, which Angel has been enjoying. Kanga has enjoyed connecting with old friends that we didn't see much this summer, while Tigger is busy making new friends. They are both in the Chinese immersion program and are still enjoying both school and the language. Tigger still struggles with keeping himself dry and we're looking into some new ways to help him. At back to school night his teacher expressed some concerns about him but we've been working with the new principal on some school resources. Tigger's reading has improved and he's even taking his own verses when we read scriptures after dinner. They are always the shortest verses, but they are still his. As far as I can tell, Zilla is enjoying his time with Angel while the kids are at school. He's good at helping with small chores and plays well. As Leeroy and Spock moved in about a year ago, this is the first year that Angel has been home while the kids have been in school and she's enjoying the quiet at home.


So, maybe it's finally time to give my youngest sister a new nickname. She's the baby of the family so when she was young we all just called her "Babe", but I don't know if any of us have called her that in a while. I haven't at least. She's as tall as my mother (5'9"), is still good at Akido karate, has completed her EMT training and has seen some pretty grisly things as a part of it, and is the same age that my wife was when Angel got married. I just don't see her as a "Babe" anymore. That and even though I don't call Angel that, it sounds weird for a married man to call someone, anyone, other than his wife "Babe." So, I think I'll call her Bones. How's that for another Star Trek reference? She is considering Physician's Assistant schooling after completing her Paramedic training, so she may work in a doctor's office and that's good enough for me. Plus, she'll break your bones if you try anything with her. And then, probably, patch you up. Probably. Anyway... She left for the mission field this last week and we are all very excited for her. This makes two relatives that are out currently and Bones should get back a little after Angel's younger brother, Elder Chuuk. Bones is serving in Farming, New Mexico, which I understand is the pretty part of the state, unlike the other part where we have relatives. She already knows one of the missionaries there as he was a good friend of hers in high school. She might even end up in southeast Utah. She's excited to be able to serve on reservations. We wish her the best and I'll need to step up my letter writing game.


Yesterday was the first day of fall and we've had sever storms for the last 36 hours or so with the next 24 being not much different. My weather app said that my work is due for some snow, but it looks like a more recent update of that says to just expect rain. As I drive through a pretty formidable canyon every day to get to and from work I try to pay attention to the weather. I'm kind of excited because at the end of spring I got a new warm jacket to wear with my ski jacket and I haven't really been able to wear it comfortably. Winter also means Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and then a new baby in February, most likely right before Kanga's birthday. Oh, and tax season. I'm glad we're a family that enjoys snuggling in blankets with hot chocolate and a good movie/game.

All in all, life is very good. It's not perfect and it's not easy. BUT it is good.

Family update

Well, It's been a while since I gave an update and I due. First, it's important to know that Angel is expecting our fourth. She is referring to it as "Poppet," so that's how I'll refer to him/her. We suspect it's a her based on how sick she's been. For both of the boys she was fine, very little morning sickness and a relatively comfortable pregnancy. With Kanga Angel lost weight she was so sick. This one is looking along those lines. So we figure she's a girl. We're excited to add one more to our family. We always kind of felt that there would be four kids in our family but weren't too sure how that would work out. After Tigger's close call and extended stay in the NICU we were very nervous about if Angel's body could handle more. We were resigned to two when Zilla came along.

Oh, yes. Roo has got a new nic-name: Zilla. Short for Godzilla. This is because he likes to knock down block towers and will emit loud shrieks. One of his favorite noises is a loud "ACH" that he'll repeat for a while. It makes me think of an air raid warning, another thing commonly associated with Godzilla. Anyway, for these reasons I occasionally call him Zilla and so I figure I'd make it official here.

Anyway. We're excited about Poppet. We're hoping that she'll be born in February as will give us three months with two birthdays in each one. Easy to keep track of. Granted we were also hoping for all of our birthdays to land on multiples of 9 but Tigger missed it by one day and Zilla missed it by five days. We're worried that with four kids our house may not be able to take the strain, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I really like our house and I really hate moving, so I'm going to try to make it work for as long as I can.

Audible Book Review - The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent by Larry Correia

As is well known by now, I really enjoy Larry Corriea's writing. There are a couple of short stories and a novella that I haven't read/listened to yet, but I've read/own everything else of his. The Adventures of Tom Stranger are one of his funniest yet, particularly if you read his blog or follow him on social media. This is in large part because he incorporates a lot of inside jokes into the text. Now, many may feel that if you don't get the inside jokes it's not going to be funny, but my mother and wife, who don't read a Larry's blog or even his books, both found it very humorous. There is something about a manatee who is also a CFO and a call center from Hell that are inherently funny. The story could be pre-ordered for free, and will remain free until June 21 (2016). It is certainly worth the price. Even if it would cost you a couple of bucks, I would still recommend you pick it up. I've already decided that it will always have a place on my device, just like Night of Blacker Darkness and for the same reason. If you want to get a taste of what the story is like, you can read the original basis for the character on Larry's blog here - just scroll down to the Tom Stranger section. The story was narrated by Adam Baldwin - yes, the same Adam Baldwin that is referenced in the story - and he does an excellent job. This shouldn't be surprising as Larry wrote this production knowing that he would be the narrator. All in all, this is a hilarious short story that I have already listened to three times and that has made me laugh every time.

Plot: When a rift opens and creatures from another dimension start trying to take over, who are you going to call? TOM STRANGER!! Voted number one in customer service three years running, Tom takes his clients' needs very seriously. Sporting the greatest tech in the multiverse, bio- and cybernetic enhancements, and an intern that has the survivibility of  a standard earth chicken, Tom.... Wait. What was that about an unsuitable intern? There has clearly been a mix up with Tom's new intern. The question is will Jimmy the Intern live through "filing claims" long enough for Tom to sort out what's going on.

My favorite parts: All of it. Really, I loved the pop culture references, I loved the tongue in cheek political commentary, I loved the making fun of conventions. It was a funny book written to be funny.

Considerations: There is just a little strong language (no f-bombs) and there is plenty making fun of liberal politics, so you've been warned. Really, I think Larry wrote this section better, so if you would like to see Tom Stranger's response to all of the 1 star reviews (58 as of this writing) you can read Tom Stranger:Customer Service Response Panel on Larry's blog - Monsterhunternation.com.

As I said, this one is staying on my device. It's a great story to work out to and is just fun when you need a break. The total length was just over two hours.

Birthdays

As I'm reviewing my blog I realized that I haven't posted anything about my birthday last week. It was a very enjoyable day. Work was good and I met Angel and the kids afterwards to go to dinner. At dinner they let me open one gift (the one small enough to bring into the restaurant) which was season 4 of M*A*S*H. I was excited because that's the first season with BJ Honeycut and Col. Potter, two of my favorite characters. I've been able to watch episodes with Angel and while folding laundry. I love how the episodes are a mix of humor, satire, and serious topics. I later opened two other gifts, one was a new wall clock for my office that I think is really awesome the other was a Darth Vader apron. My enjoyment in these gifts just goes to show how much I'm getting older. I appreciate very practical things.

Interestingly enough, as I write this it is Tigger's birthday today. He made it to six and is doing alright. There are some words that come to mind when I think about Tigger. Passion and childlike joy are the two at the forefront. Volatile (not violent) and trying are two others, but they only come up when he and I are both in bad moods. I've never seen a child so spontaneous in his love and affection. Whenever he sees somebody he likes, it's the best day EVER!!! Whenever he has the chance to do something he enjoys, it's the best day EVER!!! He loves to be close to those he loves and is a world class snuggler. Every night when I put him to bed he asks if I'll tell him a story from when I was little. He is getting better at reading, although he really doesn't like practicing. I know it's not advised to compare your kids as they are all very different. I do it anyway. He is not the academic his sister is, but he is very curious and he will remember things that surprise me at times. He can still be a bit of an omniphobe but I'm learning how to help him get over some fears. He and I have a father/son camp out coming up soon and I'm looking forward to spending time with him and his grandfather. All in all, I'm very happy to have him as a son and feel blessed to be his father.

Audible Book Review - Into the Wild by Larry Correia, The Malcontents book 2

This is the problem with reviewing a Larry Correia book. I go to find a picture and end up getting sucked into his blog for longer than anticipated. I was excited to learn that the last Dead Six novel is approaching final edits which will mean we should get it in about a year. I'm sure I'll be able to wait until then. Probably. Anyway, enough about future books. Into the Wild was a fun ride featuring the great cast of characters that we got to know in Into the Storm. The Malcontents are more respectable now, but still known as a rough and tumble bunch. Ray Porter narrates the book and does a great job even though some of the characters don't sound the same way as before. Here is a link to the Audible page for the book. We get to see more character growth from many of the characters and it's fun to see the Malcontents in an environment that we haven't seen them in before. All in all it was very enjoyable.

Plot: Royal Sygnaran Storm Knights have to put up with a lot. As the Kingdom's heavy infantry they get thrown into some of the roughest battles against some of the most dangerous foes. Armed with insulated armor and weapons that channel and shoot light lightning there is very little that they can't kill. And now one squad of the infamous Sixth Platton, "Madigan's Malcontents," has been tasked with "babysitting some academics" on a research trip in the wild mountains deep inside Cygnar's own borders. Kelvan Cleasby has not been an officer long but he knows better than to ask "what's the worst that can happen." The academics may be surprised when Cleasby has their heavy war jack, Headhunter, packed up and brought with them but in the end they're glad. What leaves Ironhead station as a camping trip in the mountains rapidly turns into a fight for survival that even the Malcontents may not be up to winning. Good thing they meet an old "friend" before the trouble starts. But then, Savio Montero Acosta is always looking for trouble and he has yet to be disappointed.

My personal favorites: As always, Correia does a great job and blending action with story. I cared about the characters and wanted to see them succeed. I was even cheering for the villain at one point, and not because one I wanted one of the good guys to die because he annoyed me. (I'm looking at you Dr. Burrows from Closer). Larry does a good job of making the villain sympathetic and still engaging. For those that are unfamiliar with Warmachine gaming world the book shows us more and helps us feel connected without treating us like children. We also get a glance at more world wide conflicts. And of course, who doesn't love a commanding officer who doesn't hesitate to order his men to shoot him.

Considerations: Just as in Into the Storm the language is low and there is no sensuality. This book had more gore and descriptive violence as the foes they fought were bestial berserkers who followed rites of blood sacrifice. Nothing I haven't come across in other young adult books. I make this special note of it as it is more than in the last book.

From city to mountains, from fortress to the top of train cars the Malcontents continue to deliver. I kept wondering what was going to happen next and Correia didn't leave me wanting. The only thing I don't like about Correia's writing is that I listen to it too quickly. One of the best things about it though is that I can listen to it over and over and still find it entertaining. The total length of Into the Wild was nine hours and forty-five minutes.

Audible Book Review - The Hollow Boy: Lockwood & Co., book 3 by Jonathan Stroud

And since I've already reviewed one book, I might as well get as caught up as I can. I think I've actually got two more to do, but I'm not sure why I'm dragging my feet on them. Maybe it's because these other review are more gripping. That is certainly the case with The Hollow Boy. With Ghost Story, and Death Weavers this makes the third story involving ghosts in as many months. Out of those three I think this one is the most well written when it comes to making ghosts creepy and terrifying. Both of the other two books do a good job with what they are writing. Their limitations are they are introductions to ghostly aspects of the established world where Lockwood & Co. is a world of ghosts and Stroud is not adding to the world but rather is adding details to that world that make it even more vivid and lurid. While I enjoyed all of the ghost stories I recently listened to, The Hollow Boy is the one that is a true ghost story. Stroud's writing does an awesome job of building tension and portraying the situations our characters find themselves in as genuinely frightening. His style lends well to audio and I think would translate well to film. Here is a link to the Audible page for the book. This book was narrated by Emily Bevan who is new to the series. It took a bit to get into her version of the characters' voices, but by the end I was good with it and it didn't distract from the performance. All in all, the book was gripping, exciting, and intriguing throughout.

Plot: London's ghost problem is accelerating. That is good for business for the various firms that handle ghosts, but bad for survival rates. Lockwood, Lucy, and George and so busy that it's been ages since they went on a case together. Moral is suffering the effects of fatigue and what's worse (for Lockwood anyway), they haven't been asked to participate on the giant outbreak that has all the big firms tied up in the Chelsea district of London. In an attempt to make their life easier, Lockwood hires an office assistant. However, it doesn't make Lucy's life easier as she and Holly do not get a long. At all. While they keep things civil (barely) it just might boil over at the worst time. What's more, Lucy's talent of listening to ghosts might be more powerful then originally thought, but in order to employ it she has to leave herself completely defenseless. At what point does exploration and a desire to help become suicide? She might not know until it's too late.

My personal favorites: As always, Lucy, George, and Lockwood are fantastic. Holly is a fun addition as well, particularly as it throws a wrench in Lucy's mindset. In many a less well written young adult novel this addition of a character like Holly would through the characters into an emotional well of soppy and "woe is me" self-dialog that would turn the novel into a mushy YA romance. However, Stroud is a really good writer and Lucy is too stubborn to let her emotions get the better of her - or so she thinks. One conflict didn't remove tension from the others. The climatic scene was well done and we start to see more intrigue on a large scale. Stroud is good as paying off promises he made in earlier books all the while leading into new ones that are leading us where he wants to take us. Really, just needs to say: My personal favorites: all of it.

Considerations: Like the other books, the considerations for this have nothing to do with violence, sensuality, gore, or anything else. Some strong language, but nothing else in that regard. The climax is intense and might be frightening for young readers, but nothing YA readers would find too much.

These are some of Angel's favorite books. In fact she had read this book from the library but still wanted the audio version for her private collection. I also enjoy the books, which is surprising as I don't normally go for ghost stories. However, Stroud has done a great job writing a ghost intrigue/suspense story and THAT is something I can get into. The total length for the book was just under 12 hours.

Audible Book Review - Death Weavers by Brandon Mull, Five Kingdoms book four

As my new credit is coming today (can't wait) I should review the book I got with my last one. I've enjoyed the Five Kingdom books by Mull. I re-listened to Crystal Keepers in preparation to getting Death Weavers and enjoyed getting back into the world (or worlds). Death Weavers was a good read and I like the way that Mull is weaving his worlds together. Here is a link to Audible page for the book. We learn more about The Outskirts in this book then we ever did in any of the others. It sets up the challenges of the final conflict we'll see in the last book. Keith Nobbs continues to narrate the series and continues to do a good job. I'm looking forward to the last book.

Plot: Cole, Mira, and the rest of the crew has entered Necronum in search of two of Mira's sisters who have come under duress there. Necronum's shaping is centered on death and all of the mysteries associated with it. In Necronum ghosts, called echos, can be seen and can even act in certain situations. Their search takes them from caves where memories dwell to literally the other side of death. Cole is forced to make some hard decisions and he embarks on a journey across the lands of the hereafter. There he will meet new allies and enemies and learns what must be done if he is ever to return home to stay. You can expect nothing less when you set out to find Destiny.

My personal favorites: The question of destiny was a great one. I loved the questions that faced the characters and the decisions they had to make. The new and newly re-acquainted companions were a lot of fun. As previously mentioned, I like how Mull is weaving together his worlds of his books.

Considerations: Like the others, there was nothing of concern for young adults in this book. Non-graphic violence, no sensuality of any kind. Mull writes to his audience's level very well.

It's always hard to review a book in the middle of the series without giving away spoilers. It makes for short reviews. I enjoyed Death Weavers and am awaiting the final book, curious to see what Mull has in mind. The total length was 13 and half hours.