Today I did one of my favorite things - I read and read and read! I was having mild misgivings about my timing, getting so immersed in a novel at this time of year, until a line from the very book I was reading put that to rest. Now I 'pronounce that this book transformed 'distraction' into an honorable word instead of a character flaw.' I have been reminded that I am the recipient of the greatest gifts this life has: Freedom, Family, Friends and Faith. And it was done so skillfully! My hat is off to any author who can amuse her reader and the next moment bring her to tears. Such a book is "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Read it sometime!

Our favorite 1st graders who sang with gusto at the Christmas program tonight, "The Night Before Christmas" and "Silver Bells". Bad picture - great performance!

A Thankful Time

Dear You All . . .uns,

I wish to go on record and say how inspired I am after a trip around blog world. I love to come visit you and I thank you for your techy talents and willingness to share the details of your life. I've tried new recipes, been comforted, recommitted, uplifted, motivated, informed and down right amused. I Love Your Blog. Blog on! Please.

The Evidence of Boys

The quintessential basketball standard in the driveway.


Botched picture poses. Blurry hands. Wrestling and football much more fun than holding still and smiling for Pete's sake!

A harnessed rabbit.

Obviously, Julius the bunny, is more likely to be fun outside of his cage where he can be taken for a walk, or hop, or drag (as this case was).

Balls stuck in the gutter.

Disgarded snake treasure. This one startled me badly - it was laying on top in the kitchen trash.

Cool, loose, and migrating teeth.

Decorative grubs emerging from gathered acorns. The acorns were a pretty fall display until they hatched.

K makes a great attempt to stack gourds the highest, but Peter's skill came out on top with 10.

Mmmmmm! Pretty!

Another recent cake. Anna K and Pong-Bo (sorry about spelling PB!) helped me on this one.

A Halloween Tea

A family picture took on a new look for the night.

Olsen aunts Bridget, Lauri and Becky minus Cruella d' Witch Melissa who left the Halloween Tea-hee-hee tooooo sooooon.

Abby and Jill stir Bridget's brew.

Some oddities, I mean cousins, who came to the Halloween Tea-hee-hee. Except for the ones who dearly departed before picture time.