...of Faux Fuchsia's Christmas Tree.... and my two boys at the bottom of it. We went for a visit (like many have) to marvel at its gorgeous-ness. It is the most beautiful tree with gorgeous ornaments, each with a happy memory and story attached to it.
Happy Christmas my dear friends.
Much love to you all from Anne-Maree, Brynley and Kristian..... and Nigel and Brian (just)... oh and Henry (the spiny leaf stick insect)... and the rest of our emerging stick insects,from the eggs that Deb sent us (the gift that keeps on giving)...... that haven't been named yet......or don't get named because they die too soon and get fed to Nigel and Brian... and our new pet snails (from FF's garden, she was pleased to hand them over) xx
PS. Breaking news: after watching a particularly detailed National Geographic program, we have discovered that Brian and Nigel are actually 'Brianna' and 'Nigella'. I am searching for something pink to put in their enclosure. Girl Power.
Ref: "Behold the Magnificence", FF, 2010
You are sounding a lot stronger A-M. I hope you continue to find strength & wishing you & your family peace, acceptance & happiness this Christmas & New year.
ReplyDeleteThank heavens the boys named them Brian and Nigel... so much easier to girly up those names than Bruce and Trevor... Happy Christmas to you all and look forward to welcoming you back (reptiles and all) to early morning posting in 2011. I've missed it. A x
ReplyDeleteOh that is so adorable and I laughed about the quick change on the names....too funny! Girl Power indeed :)
ReplyDeletehugs DJ
Merry Xmas A-M to you and your boys from me and my boys. Such a beautiful tree I understand the boys awe. I hope things are getting easier for you and I too look forward to my daily breakfast reads of your adventures some time in 2011.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses
Engracia
I hear a touch of the old A-M in this post - so nice to hear. Your tree is lovely as are your boys arm-in-arm. I'm so glad you had the energy to get a tree up and sort out some kind of a Christmas. You're charting new waters.
ReplyDeleteLOL...it's not the first time that kind of discovery has been made.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours - sounds like spirits are lifting a bit. May you find peace and joy this holiday season -
Merry Christmas to you AM and welcome back!!!I have been a "lurker"(or so my daughter tells me)for the last six months. It is so wonderful to open my blogger today and see your blog first thing. As you know you have been missed. Have a wonderful Christmas with your boys.
ReplyDeleteTracey
It truly is magnificent!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas A-M, Brynley, Kristian and the whole insect and reptile menagerie!xx
Big Hugs to you and your boys dear A~M
ReplyDeleteColette XX
Wow, that is a seriously stunning tree! Have a beautiful beautiful Christmas with your gorgeous boys ! Cheers x
ReplyDeleteIt is truly wonderfull...Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI'm very jealous you got to see FF's tree up close and personal. Merry Christmas to you my dear. There is a little parcel in the mail to you and the boys (and Nigella and Brianna) from me and Will, I hope it arrives by Christmas for you!
ReplyDeleteChristmas Hugs,
Jxx
Girl power yay...so glad you are back... Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful sons... A new beginning for the New Year..Big Hugs Kym XOX
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you guys are out and about. I hope this is a magical Christmas for you and your family. I also (selfishly) hope the New Year brings you enough strength and hope to start your daily blog again. xoxo, MB
ReplyDeleteA-M, Lovely to see your post we hope to hear from you more in 2011. Enjoy your Christmas with your boys.
ReplyDeleteLisa K
The FF tree works its magic again! Happy Christmas, A-M + boys & critters.
ReplyDeleteHaha thats made my day A-Me. Nig and Bri are actually girls! Yes you must action (FF) pink asap for their home.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to read your words with YOU pouring through.
Enjoy a wonderful Christmas (and it will be) with those darling boys and I will raise a glass to you on Saturday.
Much love & hugs
A-Mi
xxx
Great to see you back A-M. You and you're boy's ( and pets of course) have a wonderful Christmas and may the new Year be brighter for you all.
ReplyDeleteKind Regards
Karen
Glad to hear you A-M. Good luck with the pink critter cage decorations, loving the surreal retail experience that will be! Very best Christmas wishes from England, Belinda x
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see a photo on your blog again. It's getting better, I can just feel it! Your boys are wonderful young gentlemen and may they bring you great joy this holiday, as I am sure they always do. Have a lovely Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHi A-M,
ReplyDeleteMerry christmas to you and your gorgeous boys. Hope the Season is filled with many happy moments to treasure forever. FF's Christmas Tree is Magnificent, I love the way you and her take photos of the kids clocking up "Christmas Tree Admiration Time", reminds me I must do the same. Take care, cheers Robyn
That is a spectacular tree! Merry Xmas to you and all the creatures great and small. :) x
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very merry Christmas A-M, Brynley and Kristian and the menagerie of reptiles & insects too! So lovely to have you back blogging and to see your two boys in front of that gorgeous, gorgeous tree. Lee :)
ReplyDeleteHi A-M, so good to see your positive post which tells me you must be getting on top of things - I hope you are feeling a little brighter.
ReplyDeleteHow funny to hear of the Nigel/Brian mix up, so they were girls all the time - I wonder what your boys think of that.
A very Merry Christmas to you and your dear boys, also to your Mum and Step Dad who, I'm sure, have been your rock during the past six or so weeks.
lovely to see such a beautiful tree - and sounds like your spirits are lifting a little A-M. Aren't we lucky to have children especially at this time of year.
ReplyDeletelove and blessings to the three of you into the 'new' year. from a person you don't know. xxxHelen
Merry Christmas Anne-Maree, Brynley and Kristian. I hope your day is filled with lots of love and laughter.
ReplyDeleteHope you can find some FF pink for Brianna and Nigella. GO GIRL POWER!!!
Much LOVE to you all. xox
I really do hear a little of the old A-M in this message, but maybe a brand new A-M? You know, that's good news about the 'girls' as I was beginning to think you were a little outnumbered on the boy/girl front.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning tree, sure to lift the spirits. Take care x
So lovely to hear you sounding stronger A-M, I've missed you. Happy Christmas to you and your ever growing family... Love and hugs, Emma.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas A-M, Brynley and Kristian how wonderful to see you in colour again.
ReplyDeleteMay this Christmas bring you some joy some laughter and lots and lots of love my pet. xoxo J
P.S. Happy holiday to Nigel, Brian and Henry and the babies!!!!!!
That's a beautiful photo of your boys A-M, I love how affectionate they are toward each other.
ReplyDeleteLong may it continue!!
Merry Christmas, it's just like hearing from an old friend :)
xMB
Look at those little sweet heads tilted up in awe at the FF tree! You are truly blessed A-M xxx
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about your blog. But I just came across it and, curious, read back a few months. I don't know what you're going through. But I want you to know that keeping your blog going would likely be therapeutic. Writing is cathartic. I have had lifelong depression, and I am not a social person. Blogging opened up my life in so many ways. I'm married to a psychiatrist, so I could give you lots of data and statistics. But I won't bore you. I read the posted song lyrics. Try adding this: "Write, though your heart is breaking..." And just keep going.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Wonderful to hear you sounding like your old self A-M. I hope you and your boys have a wonderful Christmas together. May you continue to find your strength and new hope in 2011. xx
ReplyDeleteit is magnificent indeed! what a joyous sight.
ReplyDeleteyou sound good my friend and that makes my heart happy.
i am so envious that the fabulous A-M (and boys) know the fabulous FF! what color of nail polish was she wearing?!
hugs and happy holidays to you all,
joan
Have a blessed Christmas! May all good things come your way!
ReplyDeleteXOXO to you and the boys! So precious under the glorious tree!
Victoria
WOW What a tree!! I showed my boys and they wish it was them admiring such a gorgeous tree, well done FF!! Glad to hear a bit more of you coming thru in this post A-M!! Wishing you, your boys and all your pets a wonderful christmas!!! xxx
ReplyDeleteHI Dear Anne-Maree
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to wish you and your boys a loving christmas... and may 2011 bring you joy and hope!!!
Thanks for your kind words always... xxx Julie
Merry Christmas A-M, boys (and girls)!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous tree FF has, perfect for the holiday that is nearly here. Your house and exotic zoo seems to grow by the day. It is so wonderful to hear "you" back in this post.
Stay strong and enjoy the time together with those you love the most!
XO, Andrea
This post was truly a magnificent sight to behold! I hope you, your boys, and your menagerie of creatures have the very Merriest Christmas ever my friend!
ReplyDeletexo Kat
That tree looks a million times better with 2 little kids under it I think.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas!!
I (like many I suspect) absolutely loathe the day itself and always hope it passes with the speed of lightning.
Must get your two back to get more snails (shudder) because they are acting like Rommel during WW2 and amassing a Huge Snail Army and consuming everything in their path.
Happy Christmas, so glad you are feeling more chipper. The boys are so sweet to each other. So, how do you tell boy from girl in the reptile family?
ReplyDeletehow cute, wish my kids would sit like that! merry xmas luv!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning tree and such a cute photo. Christmas wishes to you and your two lovely boys A-M ...and to the two 'new' girls too :) Lots of love and hugs xx
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas A-M!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful days opening presents with your boys!
Rachael
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAnd like the others have commented, you do sound a lot better, so lovely to hear. Such a sweet photo of your boys and that gorgeous tree!!
That is one well decorated tree! So glad it is never knowlingly underdecorated. I luff it!
ReplyDeleteInsect and lizards are really drama queens aren't they. Some our our stick insects have really grown up. Others just hatch and dehydrate. Are you sure you don't want me to send up some locusts?
Seasons greetings to you and yours and I am loving you are back posting. Hugs deb
Gorgeous tree. Just the right amount of 'too much'. Have a wonderful Christmas with your boys (and assorted pets) A-M.
ReplyDeleteAh, love that sumptuous tree! What a treat to see your lovely boys soaking up the good vibes at FF's house and ridding her garden of dreaded varmint.
ReplyDeleteI am quietly freaking out at the thought of all your crawly creepy things staging a mass escape in the house but I can totally appreciate the wonderful distraction they are and all the love they must be giving right back.
Wishing you and the boys all the best for Christmas and the New Year xxx
I can feel the warmth of the boys coming through the screen. How blessed you are to have each other. Have a wonderful Christmas with those that you love. Hope to see your inspiring blog return next year.
ReplyDeleteKaryn x
Your boys melt my heart. It has been wonderful to log in and see posts from you this week.
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy Christmas A-M to you and your boys, from me and my boys : )
ReplyDeletehope it is a truly lovely time spent together. julesx
Ah, post of the day, my dear friend! That image of brotherly love is so precious. One for the pool room, don't you think?!
ReplyDeleteWill finally have time to respond to your message tomorrow. Know you are never far from my thoughts. Sending you a Hobart ♥ on this rainy night. J x
Magnificent tree indeed! My own tree is looking quite pitiful really. It's lovely to 'hear your voice' again A-M. Stay strong. B.
ReplyDeleteA-M, glad to see you back just in time for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGirl power to you, too!
Have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas my dear. May 2011 bring you blessings and all the power you need to be yourself again!
Oh Thanks for the update A M. It was so nice to get a glimce that your humor is back! You always amaze me. Merry Christmas. Take Care and go girl power.
ReplyDeleteWOW! My dearie friend AM is back on track again... HURRAY...HURRAY...HURRAY... tears in my eyes of happiness seeing lil AM's & YOU are stronger,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Missy, and Wishing you all the BEST of Christmas and ver Prosperous New Year,
So much love,
/chie
What a spectacular tree, merry xmas to you guys & the ever expanding family of creatures!
ReplyDeleteMy Dear A-M,
ReplyDeleteSo very happy & relieved to read your post.
Wishing all the best for you and your lovely boys at Christmas and in the New Year.
Cheers from Nova Scotia!
Hope you have an amazing Christmas A-M!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove
B
Dearest A-M, Wishing yo all the love in the world plus more. Hope there is some Christmas cheer for you and your boys. Take care and hope to catch up in 2011. Simone xx
ReplyDeleteDearest A-M and Sons,
ReplyDeleteI consider this a Christmas present from you, A-M! How wonderful to hear a little of yourself coming back.
May your holidays glimmer with hope and provide the warmth and comfort you and your family are so deserving of.
All my best wishes , heres to 2011... Cheers Julie in HOlland xo :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you A-M!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Oh A-M, how funny about the lizards?
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your boys a restful and happy Christmas.
x
Merry Christmas to you A-M and your darling boys. I hope 2011 brings you all much happiness and is full of wonderful times and things. Leigh
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne-Maree - how lovely to see that heart-warming shot of your gorgeous boys under that magnificent Tree!
ReplyDelete....and it is also heart-warming to hear a little of the "old" A-M (or is it the "new" Anne-Maree?) - You sound so much stronger and at peace in your post - as well as being just as funny, witty, caring and insightful as always!
Wishing you, Brynley and Kristian all the best for a safe, happy & peaceful Christmas and New Year.
I look forward to hearing more from you in 2011. You truly are an inspiration to so many!
Take care and God bless,
With love,
Caroline from Adelaide xx
Always some twist in your life with the insects, wishing you all & the he/ she insects all the very best, Merry Christmas, love Posie
ReplyDeleteAll the best for tomorrow A-Me.
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking of you and the boys.
Hugs xxx
Dear AM,
ReplyDeleteThoughts are with you and your dear boys, love and best wishes, Christine
Hi A-M - Sending the biggest of Christmas wishes to you and your two gorgeous boys! Hope you had a lovely day today and Santa was extra nice. Much love Leanne xx
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, A-M!!
ReplyDeletexo
ANETTE:)
Dear A-M
ReplyDeleteThinking of you this holiday season and wishing all the best for you and your lovely boys.
X
V
Such a beautiful photo of the boys with their arms around each other. Such special boys
ReplyDeleteTake care
Alison
maybe you and the boys could do with a break away....maybe a holiday?
ReplyDeleteA-M,
ReplyDeleteyou wont believe how much knowing that you seem a little brighter has brightened up my day. No doubt the boys and the menagerie are helping to keep you grounded and needed.
Well from all these messages before mine, Im sure you can see how many of us also need and care for you.
Hope you all have a happy new year. xx