The Bourbon Kings - J.R. Ward

Did you grow up in the eighties?

Did you mom watch those scandalous night time soaps?

Familiar with Dallas?

Dynasty?

Ever get sucked into the lives of the Ewing's, Carrington's

or Colby's?

Did you or your mum spend a summer wondering

Who Shot JR?

Well,

if you're nostalgic for those days

this is the book for you!

Meet the Baldwins. 

They are a powerful family

that has been making the best Bourbon

forever.

And like every wealthy, 

old money family,

they are scandalous.

Edward,

the oldest of the siblings,

was the heir apparent.

Until his trip to Mexico where he was kidnapped

and tortured.

Now he is half the man he was.

But still cannot forget the woman

he loves.

Can he swallow his pride

and admit the truth?

Lane fell in love with Lizzie.

But she's the head gardener.

Can their love be real?

Well,

not when his girlfriend turns up pregnant

so he marries her.

But he's never forgotten Lizzie.

Can he win her back?

Gin is the only daughter.

A free spirit.

Not very educated,

but with a body like hers

does she need one?

Her one true love

is a man she's been playing games

with for years.

But when she confesses her true feelings

will he believe her.

Welcome to Charlemont.

It's not Dallas and oil.

It's Kentucky and Bourbon.

Mom of One

 Ethan's our only child. And,  I do not shy away from referring to him as my miracle child. Those who know me, know the reason(s) he's our only child. And they know why he'll be our only child. 

And while I get, that not everyone is aware of this, and people find it necessary to ask me when I'll have another, it does tend to get old.

Yesterday, I went to fetch Ethan from school. Hanging out with some fellow moms, I had one ask me about more children. And I gave my standard response. "No, we have no plans for more." But it didn't end there. The inquisition went on for a good 10 minutes.

Not everyone chooses to have more than one child. For some, this is a choice. For others, it isn't. But no matter which one it is, there are some things you should just  not say!

1. But wouldn't you want a girl.

    Sure. But I have a niece. And while it's not the same, I'm happy. So why does it bother you?

2. Doesn't he ever want a sibling.

     Sure. But he also wants an iPad, a new bike, playdates, no homework, and a whole bunch more.          Yes, it's not the same thing,  but you can't always get what you want. 

3. Are you trying?

    Maybe we are. And maybe we're not. I like to say we're practicing! 

4. Just go and have another one.

    Sure. I'll just go to the baby store and pick one out.

5. You know, you could adopt.

    Yup, I know. Thanks.

6. He needs someone to play with.

    Yes he does. That's why he has friends.

7. Doesn't he get lonely?

    Sure he does. Sometimes. Don't we all?

Don't get me wrong, I understand there are people who love their big family, and there are people who are happy with their small families. But why is there a need to make people question their choices?

Five Greats

We are back in Dar!

And while we're sad to see the summer come to an end,

we've had a very busy and exciting week.

1. Hello grade 4

Ethan's started school.

Can you believe this little man

is a fourth grader now.

2. Ice cream with cousins.

To celebrate the first day of school,

we went for ice cream with some cousins.

3. We moved into our new house.

We just moved down the road,

but it has a nice yard

and is on a better road.

4. Friday wine with the ladies.

Not quite sure when

or how this started,

but every couple of weeks,

two mates and I

spend the afternoon together

just having fun.

5. Sushi Sunday

A lovely Sunday afternoon

with sushi and my boys.

Paper Towns - John Green

I have a rule at home;

if there's a movie made,

based on a book,

you need to read the book first.

This is why my son has yet

to watch the Harry Potter movies.

So when I was at the cinema,

and saw a preview for Paper Towns

I figured I better read it,

in case I wanted to see it.

Quentin Jacobsen was once great friends with this neighbour,

Margo Roth Spiegelman.

Now he loves her from afar.

Until the night she sneaks into his bedroom

and takes me on a midnight adventure.

They extract revenge

on those that Margo viewed

as having caused her pain.

They sneak into Seaworld.

They have a great time!

The next day, 

Margo's not at school.

Her parents say she's run away.

She's done this before.

But Margo has left behind some clues,

and Quentin,

along with his buddies,

are out to find her.

Five Greats

Oh my,

do I ever have some catching up to do.

My last "greats"

was all Boston related. 

I had a GREAT time there.

And then I had a fantastic week

in Ottawa

filled with more greats.

1. I may have gotten a certificate from 

Project Zero,

but this one makes my heart melt.

2. Beach day with friends.

3. Treats!

4. New Ink

5. Cousins