The Kiddos

The other day, Kate was SO grumpy, she wouldn't touch her food (she's usually a pretty good eater) and just kept on whining. Jeff and I were getting Austin and Scott dished up and when we looked back at Kate, she was asleep!

I had a birthday and had such a fun day! Jeff and I were also able to get away for Valentines Day. We even got to go skiing! We had such a great time. Thanks Melissa!

Kate got the ring on her right hand for Christmas, and has been slowly adding to her collection since. The only time she takes these rings off is bath time. I honestly can't believe she hasn't lost the ring. I remember, even as a teenager, I went through rings so fast. She's good!

Kate and I planted some seeds--broccoli, spinach, and kale and are hoping to get them in the ground in the next couple of weeks! Since this picture, 8 boxes have sprouts. I need to take an updated picture.
Scott had been quiet for too long, I went in the kitchen and he was helping himself to the delicious chocolate cake in there. He was just taking fist-fulls and shoving them in.
We have been loving spending time outside. The kids love cruising around in their cars, bikes, scooters, and trike. This is Scott.

Austin

Jeff just went to Denver this weekend and it was not stressful to have the kids all by myself for a few days. It's so nice when they get to these more independent stages!

Recent Reads

I have been in a reading mode lately (Jeff has encouraged me to continue since March Madness is coming :) ) I have got some good ones. Every time I finish a really good book, I have this sad feeling that I won't be able to find a book as good, but it's amazing how many great books there are.

A Little Princess

I watched this movie when I was younger and loved it, but had never read the book. I loved it so much! Sara Crewe has great character. I love reading about characters in books that I want to be like. (although I don't know if anyone can beat Anne)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I have heard about this book for a long time, but was so intimidated by it for some reason. It is a great book though, it kind of reminds me of The Glass Castle just because it is the story of Francie's young life with all the ups and downs. The family was such a tough and hard working family. Makes me want to get motivated!

A Thousand Splendid Suns

I really enjoyed the Kiterunner, but I think I liked this even more. This was written about women in the Middle East from about 1970-2006. It is so crazy to read about stuff going on that recently--in my lifetime! I HIGHLY recommend this book. There are some really sad things, it's got heavy topics, but the writer tried to keep it light and full of hope.

Mansfield Park

This is not my favorite Jane Austen book, but is still entertaining and still one I wanted to own. The main character is different from some of the other main characters. I would suggest it, but not to be the first Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice or Persuasion are much better.

Now for the movies. This was not the best. I think it got 2nd place out of the 3. I liked it just because the people were more attractive (what can I say, it just makes it more enjoyable to watch). The Fannie was kind of obnoxious, but she was okay. I loved the Edmond, and the Crawfords were also good. It's worth a watch if you have some spare time.
I loved this version. They took some liberties with Fannie, but I thought it was an improved Fannie. I loved her little narrations throughout the movie. The other characters were good. This would be an enjoyable movie whether or not you are a Jane Austen fan (kind of like Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow).
This version was very true to the book, but was a little bit painful. Part of this for me is that I think the story is boring at parts . I was really tired when I watched it too. I wouldn't recommend this movie unless you are an avid fan. To tell you the truth, I fast-forwarded through a lot of it. It is about 5 hours in all of it's glory and I watched about a 2 1/2 hour version.