Has the last snow flake has fallen?

Could the Year of George be ending?  So many missed school days, and lots of adults complaining they've had enough cold and snow.  But George, even though his facial expression doesn't really "show it" - could not have had a happier winter.  He spent his days, lazily spread out on the snow, with his only worry being that his dog-brother was going to eat all the snow before George had sufficient time to lay his bare belly on it.  This winter was Heaven on Earth for Georgie-poo.

Maybe we will get lucky and Elsa will visit and create his own little snow-flurry-cloud just for George.  The rest of us can, then, start enjoying spring flowers and green grass and opening the pool just in time for the "dog" days of summer to arrive.

2013 has ended and 2014 has begun

This New Year's Eve will be one that I will likely never forget. Not because of anything especially memorable, although I did make the best tasting slushies ever. It should never be forgotten because it was possibly the last time our entire family will ever spend this holiday all together, for a long time, and maybe even ever again.  I love New Year's Eve. I usually get choked up and a pair of tears slide down my face at the height of the emotions.  This year was very different. I didn't even notice/start counting the countdown until 3 seconds until midnight. I have always been very vocal from at least 20 seconds on.  And no tears. I hugged and kissed each of my children and wished them Happy New Year.  And it was over.   Just. Like. That.

I really am so excited for them all -- to grow into the people they are becoming. I will miss them terribly on New Year's in the coming years, but I can always recall the perfectly ordinary New Yxear's we shared tonight.

And a special thanks to my eldest for sharing a recap on her fb page.  I shall save that for the scrapbook!

God Bless and Happy New Year.

Great quote

Joseph asked to watch LOTR today and chose FotR. Therefore I was able to hear one of my most favorite quotes of all time.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo."So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

20130425 - Mama squirrel is hungry

Last year we had ducklings. I still miss them so.  This year I have become quite fond of a little girl squirrel. I can't tell if she's just had babies or is getting ready to, but she is the cutest thing ever!  She has gotten quite brave around us and I have even hand fed her once.  This morning I snapped a few photos and videos of her.

20130413 - Joseph's Postponed Birthday Party

 Chuck E. Cheese crowning Joseph

 It's official - Joseph is finally 7!!!!

 The receiving line begins...

SQQQQQUUUUEEEEAAALLLLL!
That loud noise was the belts kicking into overdrive, as Jaime pushed her horse to WIN the Derby.  Her horse was also immediately retired, following the race.  Poor thing.

It wasn't enough to put a horse out to pasture, Jaime had to wreck a few cars too.

Chuck E.'s sign says "Follow me for tickets"

Joseph and Nicholas are leading the followers

Nicole was somewhat demonic in her demands to stay at Chuck E Cheese forever

And, in the end, Nicholas and Joseph went Turbo - taking over the Extreme Eagles video game.




I made that last part up.  They just created a picture card, but going Turbo just seems so much cooler!