My favorite books of 2020

The Book of Mormon
As I've mentioned once or a dozen times, my favorite book is, and will always be, this one. I finished it twice this year. And shared some feelings about it in this post. I just love this book, and the truth it contains, so very much.

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I was a little nervous to read this book, because one of my favorite people (and a close friend) wrote it. And while I knew she was capable of incredible things (in general, but especially in her writing), I still feel like it is important for me to be honest in my opinion on her book, no matter how close I am to the author. And oh my word, am I being honest when I tell you this book is incredible. The subject was brilliant and exciting and fun and to say it was page-turning was an understatement. Friends, run to read this book. Run.

Just Mercy
I truly think that every person in the United States should read this book. I don't say that lightly. And not just because of what I am going back to school to study. We need to know more how the justice system works. We need to know the reality of what is going on when it comes to criminal justice and prisons and what others go through that we can scarcely imagine. Please read this book if you haven't. Please.

The King's 100
Such a fun, fun read. I don't know what to say except it made me happy and was well written and I just enjoyed it a lot.

The Fixer
I loved this book. In fact, I'm now on a kick reading every book I can get a hold of by this author. She has a way of writing that I just love. Yes, this is a young adult book, no, it isn't especially believable that this could happen, but did I enjoy it immensely? I did. Did I read the next book in the series and devour it just as quickly? Oh my yes. And did I recommend it to a couple of people close to me that did the same? Also yes.

If I Run
Super clean, super addicting (from the first sentence) and a super fun read. I read all three in the series. I wasn't a huge fan of the third one, but the first two had me reading fast and furious.

A Dress for the Wicked
Once again, a fun, fun read on a subject that isn't usual these days. I really enjoyed it a lot.

My Plain Jane
I personally cannot stand to use the term LOL. But with this book, that is exactly what I did. Over and over again. This is the second book in this "grouping" of books (not as much a series, but more a grouping about a certain topic--Jane Eyre if you haven't figured it out) and both have been fantastic. I'm a huge fan.

Without the Mask
I really wish everyone would also read this book. When you want to more deeply understand something that you can't understand on your own (in this case, being gay while also wanting to be a part of the gospel and church of Jesus Christ), you are so grateful that people like Charlie write tremendous books such as this one. I highly recommend it.

Fighting Words
This is a hard book to read. I don't recommend it to those that might struggle with a sensitive and triggering subject. But I'm still glad I read it. It was incredibly well written and I needed to understand a situation that I wouldn't on my own.

The Sound of Glass
This was an incredibly interesting read. I don't know what to say, without giving things away, except it made me think long after I had finished the last page. Different and interesting, for sure.

Quarantine

 

 

 

 

When you've been in quarantine for almost five days (due to a positive COVID test for our boy) and still have another week to go--you pretty much try anything and everything to pass the time. Including sidewalk chalk on this fine winter afternoon.

 

(This is not my favorite situation, but I can honestly say, there are so many silver linings. As in, so very many.)

Open our souls

"This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve through a
crucible for the ages. America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.

Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy."

In my window

Because 401,288 are gone. And so many of them died alone.
There is nothing that is okay with any of it.

Love these darling theatre cousins so much

Back at it again

A whole lot of months ago, an impression came to my mind. Unexpected, yet exciting. And completely overwhelming. And skipping weeks and weeks of discussions and decisions and choices and information that was helpful to slightly alter my path into what it is now, this very week, I start school again. (I already have one handy dandy bachelor's degree that I'm super grateful for.)

My incredible husband (and my darling kids) could not be more supportive and excited and more sure of my success (wish I felt as strongly about that myself). In fact, this sweatshirt and pom pom were in my stocking on Christmas morning, courtesy of Jacob Allen. He's truly just the best.

I'm so blessed. So giddy. So overwhelmed. And so positive this is what I'm supposed to be doing at this time in my life. And humbled beyond words that it is a possibility and a reality.

Here's go nothing. Scratch that, here goes something. Something big and exciting and happy and good. At least to me. Yee to the haw. This old lady of the six kids is a college student again. Who would have guessed? Not I, says the Linn.

Our amazing girl

This little sweetie pie was nominated for the school character board a couple of days ago.
It was so cute to see her huge smile when I told her. And oh man, we love her teacher.
This is our second child through her class and she is one of my favorite people in the world,
no exaggeration. I'm so grateful for others who treat my children with so much kindness and
love. It means everything to this mom. And great job Gracie girl, we think you are amazing!

Love this girl...and her brother

This darling girl moved out today and moved into her dorm at BYU. I'm so excited

for her. And so thrilled that my two oldests will be together at college. Good grief,

time flies. How I have two children living away from home is beyond me, but man,

I'm so thankful they have each other. They are just tremendous. I'm one grateful mom.

Yesterday

Turning thirteen

Happiest Birthday to my incredible Ben! He is happy and kind and brilliant and hilarious and just so very
good. He loves skiing and fettuccine alfredo and making others laugh and being adventurous and his
Savior. Being his mom is an absolute privilege. Happy Birthday my darling boy! You are loved like crazy.

Truth

Three nights ago, I sat quietly in my bedroom and listened to Moroni 10, the last chapter of The Book of Mormon. Sixty-one days earlier, I had received a strong impression to listen to The Book of Mormon, in its entirety, before the end of the year. That involved longer periods of time in the scriptures than I am used to on a daily basis and I have been deeply humbled and profoundly touched by what it has done to my heart and mind and spirit.

I love The Book of Mormon. I know it is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know the prophets who sacrificed to write the words that our Father in Heaven asked them to are men of God. I am a different person because of The Book of Mormon. Every single day it blesses my life and makes me kinder, softer, less judgmental, more hopeful, more full of faith and even closer to my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I know it is true. I absolutely know it. And cannot wait to read it again this new year. Hopefully, more than once.
 

A good day

These pictures taken by my kids today (make so happy. As does the fact that Jacob was able to spend
the day with our two oldest. A happy memory indeed. Man, I love these people of mine so much.