"It will "steal" your heart!!

 

Harry and I are celebrating our "anniversary weekend" - why just celebrate one day when you can do three?  So we went to the temple Friday night, flicked out today, and are going to the full Messiah tomorrow night.

 

We went and saw The Book Thief.  Read the book a couple of years ago - or more - and really loved it.  

The movie does not disappoint.  In fact, even though many "details" are changed, the spirit of the story comes through loud and clear.

So many stories keep coming out of the war years - you wonder sometimes why it took so long.  But this is worth the wait.

Put it on your "must see" list!!

A Santa kind of Saturday!!

Isla had her version of the Grandma Birthday Sleepover - that is, we spent the afternoon together - and had a fine time.

First we went to McDonald's for lunch.  Then we did some shopping.  I should have taken photos, because it's pretty fun to shop with Isla!  She ended up choosing a pair of orange overalls - she loves overalls!!  And a shirt.  And three little Hello Kitty dolls - of course they were little - this is Miss Isla!!  (where little reigns supreme!!)

Then we went to Urbane for manicures.  Isla charmed everyone there.  And got me a discount on her manicure at the same time!!

Then we went over to the ward Christmas party - got there early to visit with Santa - this is a shot of Isla watching Santa visiting with other kids!!

It's the only photo I got of our day together - but it's a great photo!

I do love the Grandma Birthday Sleepover/afternoon together! It's one of the best ideas I ever had!

(the kids wore pajamas to the party as per instructions!)

Happy Day to my sister Mary!!

Today is my sister Mary's birthday.  She's only about 6 years younger than me, but I don't have lots of memories of a childhood with her.  But once she was older, and going to school at Ricks, she would come to visit and help out and that was the true beginning of our relationship.

She and I hung out together the day before I went into labor with Bonny.  She had come down from Ricks - hoping I think that the baby would be born.  I was overdue, so we walked from our apartment near the U in SLC to Temple Square - hoping that it would start some action.  I didn't go into labor for another day, but we had a nice walk.  It was General Conference time, so we actually ran into several people we knew.

After Bonny was born, she'd come down and volunteer to babysit.  We had ballet tickets one night, so she stayed home with Bonny.  I worried all through the performance that Bonny was crying and fussing - since she did a lot of that.  But when we got home, Mary disappointedly reported that she'd slept the whole time!

I have 5 sisters, and Alice and I had a close relationship growing up, but it's been our adult years that have seen the growth of the love and friendship that we all enjoy with one another.  I can't imagine not having sisters - it's a real blessing.

Mary is sweet and always helpful.  She is a talented cook and seamstress.  She has been through some tough times, but she always comes out smiling.

Here's wishing her a happy day and a great year ahead!!

Great film!!

For FHE, Harry and I went to the movies - there are about 5 films I'd like to see, and they are all playing close by - it's a hectic week, though, so I'm pretty sure I won't get to the show again til next Monday night!!

This was a great film.  Well done - how can it not be with Judi Dench?  Steve Coogan - about whom I know very little - was no slouch either.

Since it's based on true events, the use of what look like old home movies from the 60's is very effective.  And it takes place in Ireland, England, and Washington DC!!

The story is compelling - the message of forgiveness and moving forward is certainly timely and emphatic.

I recommend it highly!!

Thankful for a lovely Thanksgiving Week!

A few years ago, my district started taking furlough days in the form of a week off at Thanksgiving.  The fact that we got a whole week in November eased the pain of the pay cut somewhat.  In fact, even though we've gotten our furlough days back, we voted to tack them on to the end, rather than give up the Thanksgiving break.  I enjoy having this time to go visit Hannah and Eliza, especially since the DC area is full of great things to do and see.  

 

Friday we bundled up and took the mile walk to the National Botanical Gardens - then went to Good Stuff for burgers and pizza afterwards.  It was a great walk, a great show, and a great meal!!  Doesn't get much better than that.

 

Miss Rhoda was snug and warm and didn't make a peep.  What fun it was to be together and enjoy the season.

Even though I have to go to school in the morning,  I have some happy memories to console me - and the Christmas break to look forward to!!

Happy First Day of Advent to you all!