Merry Christmas, everyone! We're enjoying family in Branson, Missouri until the New Year. We pray that 2005 will be the year that God's grace overwhelms you with great things! 

It finally feels like Christmas! (Thanks to my friend who came to spend the evening decorating and sharing coffee!) 

Our school participated in the Christmas Parade today. It took so long to start ... I was amazed we didn't have a parade of our own to the bathrooms! There were so many kids and parents that we couldn't all fit on the float ... and many parents walked the entire parade route. By the end, a couple of us were delirious! (Guess who?)

Straightening up last night ... lost my daughter, but found her right here! I guess she was worn out! 

Thanksgiving ball games in the back yard filled the afternoon. Here we celebrate one proud moment: when the tennis ball made it's tiny "finger target" from the roof rebound! 

Down South (here in Georgia), macaroni and cheese is a traditional item on the Thanksgiving table. To my northern mind, that's strange!! 

Real sweat. This must be documented! (Yes - as in real exercise in a real fitness center. Believe it!) 

I do have two children ... there's a reason why you rarely see one. 

Cartoon Mornings 

Montessori Thanksgiving Celebration

"Mr. Turkey, Mr. Turkey, round and fat, round and fat.
If you are not careful, you will be a mouthful
Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day!"

I made it to the post office today! For me that is a feat. I don't know why ... because I drive right by it every day on my way to work. From my office, I look out of a large bank of windows and see the postal complex. Maybe it's TOO close?

REALLY SAD NOTE ... I wanted to illustrate my monumental trip to the post office and went to my mail pile and ruffled through ... ruffling ... ruffling ... ruffling ... WHERE ARE THE STAMPS? Doesn't anyone use them any more? FINALLY ... a stamp. Guess what? It's on a marketing piece with fake handwriting on the front. I may have to begin a campaign to revive the art of letter writing. HA - I say that as I blog!

The call came over the bull horn for "DODGE BALL!" and I expected a lineup of kids along a wall with a firing squad. I guess I'm old school. This one was in a big circle with the targets in the middle. Additional balls are thrown in at the end to pump up the excitement. 

Somehow she enjoys this! Our picnic was great fun and everyone helped with the "cleanup

Useful Photography Link

creativepro.com - Framed and Exposed: What Film Photographers Already Know

My sleeping beauty. 

Her feet don't pitter-patter any more ... she has learned how to tip toe! I woke up to this picture and a little fevered forehead this morning. No school today! I guess I work from home the best I can. sigh! 

Boxers ... what's the big deal? This is what my son says is "cool" now. Is there a double-double entendre? (ahem!) 

Sunglasses at Night! 

Creative homework for Pre-K? Maybe my photo fixation will at least supply weekly illustrations for toddlers! The recent lunar eclipse (to which we had a late night picnic) became that week's assignment: "Up" words. 

This week's lunch spot was a kid favorite: Stevi B's pizza buffet! Of course we had a coupon (1 free meal) courtesy of the October 19th birthday girl. I actually ate a salad. I've started losing weight this fall, and am even going to start working with a fitness coach soon. It's going to be a great connection: I'm trading a logo & trademark for personal workouts involving aerobic/weight training topped off with a little yoga and pilates! So who knows ... maybe pizza will become a thing of the past? 

All ballerinas need pointe shoes ... I don't think this is what they meant! 

I heard the door close after a bit of a struggle with something large ... it was the ballerina cowboy taking her "horse" out for a ride! 

Sunday morning thoughtfulness

All the way from Minnesota ...

Amazing! He did it! He drove all the way to Georgia from Minnesota. The kids are loving it, and Grandpa is having a great time giving the kids motorcycle rides. 

He certainly didn't wear out his welcome ... but I think we just plain wore Grandpa out! 

Why the smile? Grandpa is here visiting us!!!