There is no room at the inn . . .

for the wisemen. Mary's hand is fractured and Joseph's head is severed. It looks like Baby Jesus is going to be raised by a crew of shepherds who have permanently settled on our piano bench.

The stockings were . . .

were flung on the back of a chair. Nobody in my family seemed to care.

In the works?

Sneak Preview

Christmas card idea #1 . . . shh, it's a secret.

WillRocks!

After running an 8K this morning Will decided that going

to church would have been a lot less work.

Soccer Sunday

Just follow the red shoes and you will know where to find Will.

Next week we hope that you use your magic shoes and score a goal or two!

The Cutest Family of Four!

sUmMeR tImE aNd ThE lIvInG iS eAsY!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

It is Raspberry and Cherry Time in Traverse City!

"The girls bought some land and a roadside stand..."

"out on highway 499 . . ."

They sold raspberries and cherries.

I mean, "Tennessee ham and strawberry jam."

Read All About It!

Three books down . . . not one where I felt inspired.

Book #1: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Sad, a bit predictable, interesting (and depressing) account of a true event in history where all of the Jews in Paris were arrested, deported, then sent to Auschwitz. At the same time the story has a modern perspective where an American journalist who is married to a Frenchman finds out that "Sarah" lived in the apartment that her husband's family has owned for years.

The "key" is an interesting symbol in the story.

Book #2: Sweet Life by Mia King.

A New York family is transferred to the island of Hawaii. The main character, Marissa, stays at home for the first time with her eight-year-old daughter (who later wants to be home schooled -- a strange twist). Once they move and purchase a "fixer upper" Marissa's husband decides to take a break from their marriage. Predictable and slightly annoying characters. I can't figure out why I kept reading this book. Come on, they live in Hawaii . . .

Book #3: While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky

Another book where depressing seems to be the main theme. Robin Snow is a 30-year-old marathon runner who is training for the Olympics. Her younger sister, Molly, is resentful of the time and devotion that Molly and the whole family have to Robin's dream -- especially their mother. One day while Robin is running she suffers a massive heart attack and is in a coma (this happens on page 3 of the book). The family can't decide how to say goodbye to Robin and her Olympic dream. There is a lot about the relationships in this family and the bizarre (and again depressing) family dynamics. The title is ironic because the "sister" is not sleeping, she is brain dead and machines are breathing for her. Sleeping? I don't think so.

Note to self: Select a book that is more uplifting for Book #4. Don't be misled by a pretty cover. Read something that has some substance, please.

Sweet Susie turns one! (and has a lot of birthday fun).

This proves it -- you can have your cake and eat it too. Susie Kate turned one on June 10th. I don't know who had more fun -- her adoring parents, devoted aunts, fun loving uncles, smitten cousins or her BIG brother. Happy! Happy Birthday! (Now why don't I have a picture of anyone but Susie Q?)

Holy Moly Weekend! (Or GOD the kids are getting big!)

 

Mer = beauty queen as she poses before the ice show!

 

Will can't wait to get out of his church clothes.  The compromise?

 Stand in the tree in the frontyard and smile -- don't smirk!

The BEST Kind of Snowman is a Sandman!

The Thrill of Victory -- The Agony of Defeat!

 

Meredith (above) is all smiles before she gets on the ice!

 

Emma is quietly confident as she waits for results.

 

Will gloats.  Victory is oh so sweet.

Raindrops Keep Falling on our Heads!

 

The "best" part about the new holes (I hesitate to say sunroof) in both our kitchen and our family room is the lovely noise that the two dehumidifiers create as they run 24/7 -- think airplane engine.  Somehow the movies Ghostbusters and ET come to mind.  You might say that this is kind of an inconvenience.  Did I mention that the deductible on our homeowner's insurance is $750.  Ouch. This is not the kind of home improvement I was thinking of.

President's Day Weekend in Austin

 

Fun was had by all, I think as we spent a not so warm or sunny long weekend in Austin, Texas.  The highlight? (besides flying first class on the trip home) Seeing all of our Texas aunts, uncles and cousins -- and of course Grandma and Grandpa Jones.