Begin at the Beginning...

I thought and thought over where to begin and what to say about the nearly two weeks we spent in sunny central Florida. I finally decided to begin at the beginning and continue along chronologically... there is so much to say and show that it seemed only right

It starts...

We were prepping for our trip for a week before we left, cleaning the house, packing our things, choosing with care the right things to take, visiting often the TSA web site for what we could and could not take aboard the airplanes. We shopped for gifts. We checked with out phone companies for travel and roaming time. We confirmed our flight plans and our car rental plans. We poured over materials from Busch gardens, Disney World and Universal Studios. We made arrangements with Macy (my niece) to babysit the fish. We spoke with the pediatrician about how best to fly with a toddler. We rushed antibiotics to clear up the last minute ear infection before the flight.

We thought, "hey, lets take an overnight flight, so Indy sleeps the whole way". Yeah, that didn't work. He was a monster. But, he loved flying on the plane, and eventually, with just one change of planes in Atlanta, we arrived in Orlando to discover we had no car. Well, actually, we didn't have the car we reserved. Happily, for no extra fee, the rental company upgraded us to the 2007 PT Cruiser. It had 500 miles on it when we got it. It was black. We adored it.

Driving to Fort Meade from Orlando, Chris was exhausted from 36 hours with no sleep, and a little turned around from 5 years in Oregon. As we made our way inland, things began to come back to him and we traveled some beautiful back roads to get to his grandmothers home, where we surprised her with her first meeting with our Indiana Jones. She loves him! (as do we all)

Our first day we slept a bit, then headed out to the boardwalk for my first glimpse of the Florida backwoods...

there is so much more we saw and did... next installment coming tomorrow:

miss me?

well, we have finally returned home!

i have so much to say and a million pictures to show of the wonderful vacation we just had. i am so sorry i couldn't warn openly on the blog that we were taking off for a few weeks, but the folks we were going to visit were unaware that Indiana and I were coming along (they thought Chris was coming by himself) so i couldn't post about it before.

Anyways, i am exhausted and have a lot of unpacking to do, but expect in the next 48 hours or so to see Florida pictures and prose.

thanks Hoss

oh Hoss is killing me...

He made me sing!

and i liked it... you should try it

anniversary

As Chris has packed up the camera I cant post a photograph for a while... nothing cute of Indy for a bit then, sorry.

happy anniversary hun!

on to other things... I am going to Duck's school tomorrow to take him lunch. He says he would love to have me, and isn't the least bit embarrassed by his mother, even if some of his teachers recall me quite well. I am so pleased i am refusing to believe that his delight in me bringing Subway sandwiches has anything to do with it. i might even take him a contraband coke.

making sense of some things that dont make sense.

Ok, lets start small with this.

Collectively each bit of my life has made me who I am. Well, each bit has a "name". There is "that summer" which describes the whole of high school. Then came "the marriage". Next There are the "lost years" which describe a section of about 2+ years where i lived in Salem, drinking and carousing with abandon. There was the "Rich incident", which covers the following 4-5 years, at which point i moved to the city cleaned up (sort of) and joined the land of the useful members of society. The "David fiasco" followed that and finally, i have drifted into the "old and settled". Why is this important? because you wont understand the rest of this post without this knowledge.

That summer, i had a circle of friends who i could never have lived without. Even had one of them not been part of it, life would be radically different. I am now at peace with all of them, still friends and in some cases friends again. It's like having my heart returned to me, the missing pieces are all here. Yesterday I made arrangements to hit the tavern with the summer girls (with the solo guy from that summer still not in the state with us, we are the summer girls for now). Shortly before the settled spouse and I were to leave, the man from the marriage showed up with my fabulous number one son. We all hung out. Later we got to the Tavern and there was Starkweather, a huge player in the lost years telling me that i am going to miss Patrick's memorial (Patrick was THE player in the lost years). Now Nate was with us, who lived through the Rich incident and when i returned home to email (this) picture to Starkweather of Patrick (he will be taking this to the memorial and paying his respects for me) there was email in the in box from David... do you notice what i notice?

I had a fabulous time ALL DAY yesterday. I ran around with Jimmie and Duck, who are two of my very favorite people. I hung out with my high school friends, feeling how complete my life is with them in it. I chatted up David. I faced the lost years. My life really is complete, not just complete but continuous. Each bit, no matter how heinous it might have seemed at the time, has come full circle back to me to show me what a great life i do have. I have excellent friends whom i have known for ever, in some cases 20 years or more, I have a good man beside me, two of the best son's a woman could ever ask for who i am exceptionally proud of, and a generally great life.
So, sure sometimes i might think that this is the year of my discontent. Sometimes the weight of the losses oppress me. Sometimes i long for things that i don't have a right to ask for. Then, sometimes life happens to make me realize what a dumb ass i am.

They're Here!

Chris and I's wedding anniversary is on Sunday!

My gift this year is wonderful! Now, I will admit that last year he purchased a similar gift for me as a housewarming when we changed apartments (Long time readers may recall the post from last Feb when i received my beautiful sectional sofa). I was excited until i realized that it was impossible to keep clean, the clips that held the sections together kept coming off, and that in general it was awful. So, without further ado, here is my gift... a brand new, beautiful sofa and love set...As much as I adore this sofa and love-seat set, i may have already discovered a small problem with the way i have the living room furniture arranged...

fab four...

long ago and far away four souls tangled together
they parted amidst angst and destruction

one soul learned

she yearned for a renewal of those hazy days

as the years drifted by
those four souls grew

repairing the damage of intervening years
viewing each returning soul

through tears of fear and joy
the last soul returns

right now right here four souls tangled together
they band together amidst laughter and love

phone time

When Indiana isn't running around causing destruction, mayhem and chaos, he takes a breather to chat up a buddy on the phone.

Indiana enjoys talking to his brother, his papa, his grandma and also our friend John. He loves to tell them what he is watching on television, or what toy he is playing with. His language skills are just exploding! It seems that every day he is saying something new.

I guess it's time to start cursing less, hmmmmmm!?!

Another Beautiful Day!

Happiness is all about being outside, playing in the sunshine on a gorgeous spring day.

Now, if mom would just put the camera down and play, too!

what a beautiful day!

Ah, what a great spring day we had today! First we wandered over to Costco for lunch (a 1/3 pound kosher all beef hot dog with a 20 oz Coke for a buck fifty!) then on around Waverly Lake, across the street down the trail and on to Simpson park where we walked the three mile round trip nature trail. We proceeded home to pick up some neighbors and head to the elementary school that is across the way from us. We played there for about an hour. It was just a glorious day for enjoying the outdoors. Now, as i write this, Chris is throwing some T-bones on the grill and we will finish off our excellent day with a movie and some excellent dinner. Every day should be so sweet.

Go Ducks!

Sometimes, it's just hard for a little boy to be happy.

Mom, on the other hand is easy to please! Just get his clothes to fit!

Tonight, we have the last game of the season over in Lebanon. I am worried about how the end of the season will effect our social lives. Right now, Indy gets to see Macy and the aunts twice per week, as well as getting to hang out with Duck and his dad. I suppose we will just have to go to their homes more often than we do now. Maybe we should take up bowling.

-2

lost by 2 tonight.

the boys played hard, fouling 14 times in the first half alone!

One more game, coming up Thursday night!

Lets go out winning guys!

Basketball Mayhem

I do believe we now lead the league in Technical Fouls.

Tonight we played against the "best team" in the league. It could have been a slaughter but we played them close until the last 4 minutes of the game when all Hell broke loose. The other team had a kid who was throwing pushes and elbows all over the court all game long. Finally, Colby (the assistant coaches big son) got fed up. With both hands, Colby shoved the offender forcefully to the floor. He was awarded with a double technical foul, an ejection from the game and the building, as well as a suspension from the next game, which we play next Tuesday. The good news is that the missed game from a few days ago has been rescheduled for next Thursday.

"the guys"

I mentioned the other day that Indy plays with the new twins who moved in to the neighborhood. Here they are! All three of them were being quiet, so i went into Indy's room to check on them. There they were, piled into the recliner watching a movie, poking at one another and giggling quietly. The twins will be four years old in just a month, and Indy will turn 2 the month after... Jeremy weighs 27 pounds, Indy 28, and Jonathon weighs just a little more at 31 pounds. They are all nearly the same height. It makes for even rough housing matches.

Get your Dodge on!

Nascar and Kasey Kahne look great on Indy! We picked up this t-shirt for Indiana so that he could match his big brother with all his #9 gear.

Indy is doing so well on his social skills. Nearly every day we go to play with "his guys" as he calls them. The twins are a great influence, and although the interaction is not perfect, it is fabulous for this age group. The three boys play together, argue over toys, run around playing chase, and crash to the floor in a group. I am so glad Indiana has friends again. Besides, i get a chance to gossip with their mom, and i will never turn down a good chat!

suckage

I do not often post photographs of myself. However, I am finally starting to lose weight, and i like this picture. So, here I am.

Tonight, I have no score to report. Duck's ball game in Lebanon was all screwed up. The game was scheduled for 7pm tonight. When the entire team arrived we were told that our game had been rescheduled for 530pm. Unfortunately, no one from either the school, nor the boys and girls club had bothered to tell the coaches players or fans. Now, this would suck if it were just here in town, but realize that this game was nearly 25 miles away. All ten members of the team had shown up with their parents, and several car loads of fans drove all the way there(3 car loads.. 10 people in all... just for Duck alone) . So, tomorrow we call the boys and girls club to whine. I hope that the game can be rescheduled for in town some other time this week.

we won!

52-50!

Great Job Guys!

Way to go Duck, 15 points, a couple nice blocks and some excellent rebounding as well as free throw shooting. I am so proud of you and your whole team! Next game: Monday Night!

Colorful...

Indy looks good in red.

I had to cover the sofa in Indy's Elmo blanket to protect the fabric from the damage Indiana inflicts upon it every time he gets near it. It amazes me how much damage one small little boy can cause to a tan superfine.

Besides, it looks better in pictures this way.

Playing Rocks!

Indy loves playing around. Today Indy had friends over and he had a ball. It is so nice when you can socialize kids at this age. His new friends are recent additions to the neighborhood. Twin three year old boys named Jonathan and Jeremy. We love them... They share very well, and play nice as a trio. It's nice to find something for Indy to do that doesn't involve me!

BLOCK!

We lost again. However, Duck got such a good block the entire bench stood up and cheered! All ball, straight into the ground. It was like something he did to my friend John while he was home over the Christmas break. It was epic, classic, fabulous blockage! Duck didn't even trash talk the kid he blocked. He just smiled!

That's my boy!

the Larry Bird birthday...

I was one of the lucky ones. I grew up in an era of Celtic pride. I grew up during the Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish era.

Larry Bird, affectionately dubbed "the Great White Hope" was the king when I was young. No "Magic" could touch him! It was an era of fantastic basketball, before Jordan, pre-Shaq. Larry's jersey was later retired, immortalized in not only Celtic history, but NBA history. A true hall of famer! An amazing player, a great coach, a role model for work ethic and talent.

This was my Larry Bird birthday, good old 33.

Indy's daddy went out and made my Celtic birthday dream real... He made me this awesome jersey cake.

Thank you, hunny!

Its my birthday!

Duck lost last night, but it was still a good game, and of course the coach (Duck's dad) got his obligatory technical foul. Personally, I am aghast at the call. He didn't deserve one. Not this time.

today's my birthday, so I am doing NOTHING all day. Well, that isn't strictly true. I cleaned the kitchen, then the living room, vacuumed three times already this day. Indy is running wild, and I am enjoying a book.

Dad's sick day

Chris is home sick today, so Indy and his daddy are getting in some good cuddle time before daddy goes back to sleep.

I am pleased to note that the "Indy" Colts won the superbowl yesterday. Duck was rooting for the bears, so this is my official taunt: HA HA, Bears Lost.

Well, back to caring for the toddler and the sick child. Carry on !

Winners!

We won last night! Duck scored 5, which is all right. He got two fouls, which was all right, too. Duck's dad got himself a "T" which made us all laugh. The ref who gave it to him looked frightened of retribution, though!

My birthday is this coming week, so today we took a friend and headed out for a nice dinner, and I got some new Nike's (which I was dying for) and a couple shirts and a book. My mom gave me gifts today as well. I got a beautiful new wolf, ink for the printer, and a comfy wolf cuddle blanket for the sofa. So, all in all, nice haul this year considering that my birthday is still a few days away!

good things, good things!

How bad am I?

So, I am a terrible wife. The other day was Chris's birthday (my husband, for those of you not in the know). He turned 27 and I didn't bother to post about it.

So, I am a terrible mother. Today, the headache kept me mostly on the sofa, curled under a blanket, instead of cheering on my handsome Duck at tonight's basketball game. I have had the same headache for several days now, sometimes worse than others... this afternoon was bad.

So, be sure to say Happy belated birthday to Indy's daddy, and maybe, if we are lucky, Duck will post the results of tonight's game. We have another game on Friday, and I will not miss it for any headache, or anything else.

The game: not so good...

For today's basketball game, it was a tough game and we got beaten. The officiating was not so good, but in a few weeks, Philomath will be coming into our house to play again, and we will beat them soundly when they get here.

On the good side, I got this cute picture of Indy checking out the hoop!

In just a few more years Indy will be out on the court. If Indy is lucky, Duck's dad will resume his coaching duties to lead Indy's team the way he has for so many years for Duck.

The time has nearly come...

so, my lovelies, it is that time of year again...

you know the time I mean:

When teenagers bite their nails, parents tug their hair, and the world slows down to a crawl...

that's right! Its report card time.

I know that my teenage son is the smartest, most handsome, athletic, amazing guy to grace the halls of his middle school... Now its time to see it on paper as I await the results of his schooling.

The talk around our home is all on what gift is right to appropriately reward my young prince for his brilliance. A new video game perhaps? A movie for his psp? A few bits of paper currency per A? Now, if he gets crappy grades, how does one reward that? He will, as a matter of course with his father (if the grades are not up to par), find himself sitting on the bench for the rest of the basketball season and never see his beloved playstation, psp, dvd player, television, myspace page, or friends again for the foreseeable future, but what can I do? Make him change diapers perhaps?

How do you reward your children for good grades? How do you punish or encourage them to better grades? How do you handle it as a non custodial parent? (most of my readers know Duck lives across town from me with his dad) How did your own parents react to your grades (both good and bad)? Do you think that today's parents are involved enough in their child's education?

Root Root Root for the Home team!

Gratz Duck Boy!

Like a weed!

Back in October of 05 I took This picture of Indy in a basket...

Here is the updated version!

Indy is still a laundry day menace! As soon as I get the basket empty he will climb in it, fall out of it, drag it around, sit in it, or haul it off. Sometimes a combination of all the above!

A short update:

Indy is recovering nicely from his cold, the doc gave him some amoxcicillin to take every day for about ten days. We also got dosage recommendations on Children's benadril, for other symptoms. He is sleeping a great schedule now, going to be at around 630 in the evening and getting up at 720 in the morning. He no longer naps.
Indy is up to weighing 26.6 pounds. We didn't get a height.

Duck's basketball team has another game coming up on Monday night!

I got my taxes finished and filed. Just waiting on Chris's forms to come back to file his.

Not much else going on. I finished reading a book called "the Last Templar", which was fabulous if you are interested in the Templar conspiracy theories. The book would make a nice movie.

We watched a few movies, had a few friends over, played a bit of Karaoke Revolution American Idol edition on the PS2.

Chris's birthday is just 8 days away.

The Snow Continues...

Snow began falling all across western Oregon a few days ago. We then had a cold snap where the high temperature never edged above the freezing mark. This morning, the snow began to fall heavily throughout the Portland metro area, and here in the Valley, freezing rain slowed our fair town to a crawl. There is no school, many businesses did not open, and Indy's dad went to work to find that fully half the crew couldn't make it safely to work this morning. Thankfully things are thawing a bit, as the temperature climbed to a balmy 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Indy sees the doctor today to check out this pesky cold that has been clinging to him for the last two weeks. I am sure it's nothing, probably just the weather, but better safe than sorry.

until we meet again...

My dear friend is returning home in just a few hours. He fit so seamlessly back into my life it was as if five long years hadn't lain between us; as if life experiences so vastly different had created in us the same friendship we wore as young people.

My current hope for all of you reading my words is this:
I hope that all of you can know a friendship so dear, that the pain of loving that person is worth every single tear.

Blast from the past

I do not recall how old Duck was in this picture, I think he was around 3 (for those of you who don't know, he is 14 now). We shaved those curls off shortly after his 3rd birthday.

I was so thin and young, I almost don't recognize myself.


Anyhow, my buddy found this in a pile of old pictures his parents had. He found some of himself as well and posted them over at his blog. They are pretty funny!

Snow!

i forget who i got this from... but Go ahead... gooogie me!


we have been having some excellent snow falling on the valley floor. We are at such a low elevation, any snow is fairly rare. The rest of Oregon gets a nice ammount of snow in fact, this morning, sitting on the beach at sea level in Astoria, Oregon there was almost 7 inches of snow!

41-14

'NUFF SAID

41-14

'nuff said.

Guardian elmo...

There are many needs in the world. Two important ones in our lives here are the security of love and a warm cuddly "guardian elmo" to sleep with at night.

Bogart, Humphrey...

Donkey got a doggie. His name is Bogart, not actually after Humphrey, but after a pound dog of the same name whom we were unable to save from being put down.

Bogie is a wonderful 9 week old chocolate lab puppy. He already weighs in at 15 pounds, so we expect him to be a tank when he gets bigger!

We look forward to the time when we can purchase our own home and get a dog for Indy. Until then, grandma's service dog will have to do.

2007

Happy New Year!

Time to build an ARC...

It seems that we might need new drainage on the building... Indy, however loves the puddles, the rain and the flood.

Joy is such a wonderful thing.

Aw Mom...

This is what happens when you buy your teenage son boxers that say "Hands off my Booty" as a Christmas gift, then have him unwrap them in front of his grandparents!

We here at "the State of Indiana" would like to wish a happy holiday season to all of our friends and family, near and far.

Happy "whatever holiday you celebrate"!

We feel very fortunate to have made blog friends from many places, from many backgrounds, and of many religions.

Blowing in the wind...

Growing up, one of the things I wanted was a dad who didn't suck. I struggled to find a father figure. I latched on to my friends fathers, teachers, any male role model I could find, but it wasn't the same. Having a great dad is something very special to any girl. In my life, I never qualified as daddy's little girl. I was so jealous of my friends who had these great fathers. Mel's dad is one of the best.
When I was sixteen my Mom and Donnie got back together. I didn't realize it then, in fact it took me 15 years to realize it, but I inherited a great father then. Sure, I have sent Donnie father's day cards for several years now, but I never thought of him as dad. The funny thing is, it was Donnie who walked me around the block to let me know when I was disrespectful to my mother and it was Donnie who made me paint the fence when I broke curfew. It was Donnie who sent me wedding gifts when I married. It was Donnie who came to the hospital when my sons were born. Donnie was being my dad all along. He did it so subtly, I didn't even notice. That is the mark of a truly good dad.

Thanks, dad. I love you!

Joy to the World...

Today I bought the last real gift, got it wrapped up and placed nicely under the tree. All that remains of the shopping nightmare for me is to purchase a few last stocking stuffers for Brother Duck, and the ham for dinner. I never thought the end would come into sight but it has and its Glorious!
This year, if our gift pile seems smaller, its because not all of the packages are here. Some few special ones are hidden in other locations... And I think we spent more this year than last. Go figure.

Fun and Frolic:

The last few days we have taken a break from the holiday madness and just had some family fun. Brother Duck was here, so we grabbed some neighbors and went to the school across the street to play basketball! Sure it's only 40 degrees outside (Fahrenheit) but when a body gets moving it warms up nicely.

There is a new play structure out on the playground, just Indiana's size. So while everyone is playing basketball, one person watches Indy as he climbs up the stairs and slides down the slide, or picks up wood chips to toss into the air. Usually I try to be the one watching him, but lately Indy has preferred his brother's dad as play companion. Duck's dad is a great sport about it and will wander the playground as Indy leads.

I got to spend some time visiting blogs and friend's myspace pages. We watched a few movies (Talladega Night's was pretty funny). Spent some time hanging with friends, just trying to be supportive. Relaxation, time with friends and family, its key for me to get through the holiday season sane.

Santa's little helper!

Indiana is busy testing out all the toys in the workshop! With just 8 days until the great toy harvest, toy testing is a must.

Actually, Indy is raring to get into the multitude of brightly wrapped packages under the tree. One of the great things about this age is that Indiana doesn't mind clothes as gifts. I got lazy this year. Instead of wrapping all of his clothes individually, I piled them all in a large gift bag and sealed 'em up. It wont really matter, I suppose, what we may have purchased for Indy. When he opens his gift from Brother Duck, Indy wont even SEE the rest of his gifts! He will be opening that gift last!

And then there were 4:

Growing up there were four.
One sits writhing this now.
One moved on to far places; had grand adventures.
One disappeared into the mists; glimpsed occasionally, but unknown.
One stayed near and true, hurting now.

My friends.

I await impatiently the impending visit of our intrepid explorer.

I dream of another glimpse of the "lost one".

I stand here, arms open to the one in pain.

The years have passed us by. Life has taken us each on our own twisting and turning paths. We have fought our demons, together and alone. All of us so very different, but with memories the same. Friendships so valuable to me that at times in my life I would have cheerfully laid down my very life for them all.

John, you gave me strength and courage. You gave me wings.
I didn't always know what to do with those gifts.
Teresa, you gave me grounding. You gave me a sense of right and wrong.
I often went the wrong path, and took you along with me.
Melody, you gave me you. You gave of your wit and charm and family.
I love you for that.

Confidential: Mel, stay strong. You have it in you to start again. You can do it. I believe in you. When it gets hard, I am here. When it gets harder, I have a bottle I am willing to share.

Brother Duck

This is Brother Duck and i cant wait so i have to spoil it I found a TMX ELMO at walmart.com so that is Indianas present from brother duck


EXTREME TICKLE ME ELMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hooray for the US Postal Service!

I am so excited! All of our Christmas Cards that need to be mailed are now in the hands of the Post Office! It took 2 days to get all the pictures ready and envelopes addressed, but it is a labor of love. I feel a little bad that this year; I didn't write as much as I normally do, but they are out there!
Duck boy visited yesterday and helped get the tree up. This morning I finished with the ornaments and lights, and after I write this I will start popping the corn and stringing it. Every year my popcorn strings get a little pinked by my own blood, as I prick my fingers with the needle. However, I never lose enough blood to be incapable of finishing the chore. I am not sure if that's a good thing or not.
Most of the gifts are purchased and wrapped... The packages to be shipped to distant family have all been wrapped and await just a nice sturdy box. Just a few last purchases for us to finish the gift purchasing in our budget. I am not one of those people that goes into debt for gifts. We budget a certain amount of money that we can reasonably afford, and start saving in September. When the money runs out, that's it. I have enough left to do some nice things for the family, so that's good.
All in all an excellent day.
Pictures of the tree forthcoming...

Holidays are Busy days!

I love that there are so many family friendly activities this time of year. Instead of being trapped in our homes by the wet and cold, we brave Oregonians head "en masse" to event likes the Metro Washington Park "Oregon Zoo" Zoo Lights Festival (the name of the zoo was changed to Oregon Zoo from MWPZ a few years ago because folks were confused... The zoo is in Washington County in Oregon, but due to our proximity to Washington State, well ..... You understand the problem).

Yesterday, we bundled up and headed for the zoo. We spent the entire day wandering the grounds of the zoo, then the lights came on! We went on a steam train ride looping around the zoo and were dazzled by the more than 1/2 million lights brightening the zoo. Indiana had a BLAST. He hollered "lights" every ten seconds, with the occasional "pretty lights" thrown in, to keep us guessing.

Crater Lake

Back at the end of August, Duck boy and his dad went to Crater Lake.
Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles (160 km) east of the Pacific Ocean. It lies inside a caldera, or volcanic basin, created when the 12,000 foot (3,660 meter) high Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago following a large eruption.
Generous amounts of winter snow, averaging 533 inches (1,354 cm) per year, supply the lake with water. There are no inlets or outlets to the lake. Crater Lake, at 1,943 feet (592 meters) deep, is the seventh deepest lake in the world and the deepest in the United States. Evaporation and seepage prevent the lake from becoming any deeper. (information taken from http://www.nps.gov/crla/)
It is a beautiful, serene place to visit; one of Oregon's most amazing bits of scenery, in a state full of wondrous vistas. There are all kinds of wandering wildlife, a nice lodge, and some great trails (walking, hiking, and driving) to explore during the summer months. Crater Lake is even featured on the Oregon state quarter.

Furniture and Trees...

I don't know if I just like to confuse my child, or if I really am psychotic about this, but I change my furniture location about once per month. I really like it like this... Indiana is looking towards the telly and tower, watching Sesame Street (you obviously cant see the telly in the picture).
I also moved the piano and wicker linen basket in the dining room to accommodate the Christmas Tree. Indy has just been wandering around our place lost. We will be "putting up" our tree on Monday night. Pictures will be forthcoming.

Speaking of our tree... We have some wonderful Hispanics who live in our building (10 out of the 37 units here have Hispanics in them). Many of them are going home to Mexico for the holidays when the Christmas Tree farms they are currently working at lay off for the season. One of the fellows (Juan) brought a tree home and gave to us! He smiled and said "Feliz Navidad, Indiana"! Indy has ingratiated himself with all of the neighbors, English and Spanish speaking alike. The boy is living proof that racism isn't inborn, its taught. We are teaching him that everyone deserves a smile and a hand shake and that being nice to all people will bring him much more success and many more rewards in life than racism and bigotry.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

My mom is so talented with her photo editing programs. I sent her several pictures of my two very handsome boys and in return she sent me these. We will be sending the above picture with our Christmas cards. The lower photo we are using as our desktop wallpaper for the holidays! It makes a perfect background. Thanks, mom! (I seem to be saying that a lot lately)