Sometimes when we spend time listening and learning about other peoples challenges, we walk away sharing some of the pain, leaving others with less.

Big #5

Ellie turned five recently and had her first friend birthday party. There were five little girls, one for each year of Ellie's life. It was a princess party of course. The girls dressed up, made crowns, played stick the kiss on the frog, had a treasure hunt and of course ate castle cake.


Unfortunately, Ellie did not really appreciate my version of the cake. Ellie was not home when I put the cake together and I was not home when she saw the cake for the first time so I suppose there was a small communication gap. However, I was told the moment Ellie saw the cake she burst into tears saying, "That's not how I wanted it." Luckily, when it came time to blow out the candles she didn't look too disappointed.

Happy Birthday Sis!

In Lieu of Halloween

A few days after Halloween, I realized that I had not taken a single picture. We had a great time, but I have no visual reminders of my children this year. So, instead of posting a Halloween update, I thought I would offer you a 17th Century religous poem by George Herbert that I discovered in my History of British Literature class. I think it is beautiful, and quite moving. I hope you enjoy it.

Love (3)

Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrace in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked anything.
A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:
Love said, You shall be he.
I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee.
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
Who made the eyes but I?
Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.
And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?
My dear, then I will serve.
You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat. So
I did sit and eat.

Hooray for Hump-Day!

Yes that's right it is finally here! The mid-term I have been waiting for. I am still alive and even in possession of most of my faculties. I survived the first seven weeks, and it even went by rather quickly. Only seven more to go until Christmas vacation. . .a time where I get to choose what I do and when. I can't wait. But I must make this post short as I have a test I must take. I guess there is a small downside to mid-term after all;).

Fathers & Sons

Cleaner and warmer.

I didn't get good pics of the father's and son's outing, but as Ian and I, JC and J were about to leave Ian suggested that the kids wash up in the creek. I thought it was a pretty good joke (since it was cold outside and the stream was freezing!) and added that they would have to do it in their undies. Of course, the youngsters were happy to oblige (sorry for the sideways videos), and we were happy to goad them on:

As do most things when it comes to men, it turned into a contest.

The best thing...

The best thing about apple crisp...

Is having it shared with you.

Bleu Cheese Touch

The Cougars haven't fared so well this season, but the Bleu Cheese Touch might get a BCS bowl.
J with the hand-off.
J blocking for some other kid with the hand-off.
White knuckles at the line.
Center lineman springing into action. A great game- many flags were thrown, and nobody had to be carried from the field.