Quick Post

Just an updated picture of each of my girls!

Romancing Miss Bronte

Just finished my first book of the year, and I loved loved loved it! This was a fictionalised biography of the life of Charlotte Bronte, and a delight for anyone interested in the Bronte family, or fans in general of early nineteenth century British literature. I like this review of the book best: http://mrsodellreads.com/2010/03/15/romancing-miss-bronte-by-juliet-gael-review/.  I agree with the comment that "there was nothing shocking or earth-shattering" going on, and that actually, that fuelled the love affair with this novel. And also the quote that "Since we will never have new Austen or Bronte, we need more books like this — novels that embody good writing, good story-telling, and the utter readibility of real literature." It was the kind of book you're enjoying so much that you're already dreading it being over as you near it's end, dread it not being a part of your day, and you literally miss it once it's closed! I highly recommend it, most especially for anyone that defines themselves as a bookworm.

Jolea

Well, we received a phone call Sunday that one hopes to never ever ever get from a friend. And we have spent the week in tears, heartbroken for our friends who have lost their beautiful six-year-old daughter, Jolea. We know there are no words we can speak to comfort them. We can only give love and support - so we will be in California this weekend celebrating Jolea's life together with her friends and family.

Crazy Heart

We just watched this movie. I have one pro and one con:

                      PRO: Jeff Bridges - what a great actor!

                      CON: Colin Farrell as a country music star? Sorry, I just couldn't buy this.

Christmas in London

Happy January! We are home and back in the swing of work, school, regular life.

There are a million photos from our trip - I've broken them all up into different posts to keep them manageable. I will let the photos show it all - the only words to say are that we had a wonderful time! A lovely English Christmas that delivered all the magic I had promised my girls (and my husband who we all know loves Christmas as much as any child!). And, a special thank you to whoever arranged the slightly milder winter weather for that week - it was cold but not it's usual freeeezing.

our home before we left

jetlag - boy, were we all hit with that!

my heart grows an inch every time I look at this sleepy matching PJs picture

Christmas Morning

Santa Claus (that's Father Christmas while you're in England please) delivered presents to the bottom of Nanna's staircase! Abigail had written to him earlier in the month to explain that she "would not be at my Arizona house" - (a note that I will keep forever because it has her first real, unattended, no-help writing). She was very concerned about the logistics involved for Santa and, accordingly, very relieved that he figured it all out and delivered as promised.

little pile for each sister

most wished-for gift

second most wished-for gift

Nanna bought this one - I think she was hoping for help in the kitchen later that day

Christmas Day

Uncle Jonathan - who wanted and received pipebenders for Christmas?!!

Aunty Alex showing us her Uggs

 Master Chef, Master Decorator, Master Organiser, Master Nanna

Bryony caught in headlights, Abigail playing with the box!

not sure what the sly look was for

Aunty Alex with her boyfriend, Chris, and two best friends Lizzy and Emma, who I must say love my kids like family!