The Husteds

Hey Betty!

2011-10-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

It's your birthday! Today!

Hope you have time to stop and smell the roses.

Happy Birthday Sister!

2011-05-24T13:14:00.001-07:00

Royalty

2011-05-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

A resemblance? Romantic carriage rides are so 2004.

I hear impersonators make good money.

Andy of Prague

2011-04-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

FYI

2011-03-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

In case news travels really really slowly--and I don't believe it does in this family, let it hereby be known to all members of the clan, that there is another Duffy in the pipeline.

Cheers!

In relationship

2011-03-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

We're not in a relationship; we're inrelationship.

I think I am the same age as Mom in this photo. Who looks older?

Everyone loves a hairpiece

2010-12-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

This is the most boring blog in the world.

2010-09-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

I guess Dan was right. This blog was born to die.

Anyhoo, I'm posting pictures.

It was all fun and games until John went to the ER.
Still, they look beautiful nearly killing themselves.

Can't wait until they're done with this silly band phenom.

Daniel and Jane pretending to play chess:

Joe thinks it's time to cut Paul's hair. Can you tell he's a boy? Can you?

Summer is over

2010-08-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Fun times ahead!

Through the years

2010-07-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

It's good for sisters to spend time together:

Purdy People

2010-07-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

Farm adventures

2010-06-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

We've had a fun week+ at the farm as usual. Some of the activities have including running to the ER for stitches and glue for John,

and petting the snake that lives behind the toilet in the downstairs bathroom. Fortunately, it was John who discovered Ratty, who didn't startle him enough to aim worse than usual.

We've had moments of rural beauty with the baby chicks:

And we have appropriated some rural hair styles, like mohawks (don't worry, after another buzz with the clippers, he looks more like he has a high and tight, good for tick siting)

One more pastoral scene: Blond girls on blond horses:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEST FRIEND!!!

2010-05-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

I would never forget my best friend's birthday, by the way. I just wanted to make it last longer.

Babies movie

2010-05-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

I think it might be time to admit he's reaching for more than just his belly button.

A visitor

2010-05-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last night Bosco frightened me with his vigorous barking - I thought someone was trying to break in one of the cars. Then I heard scratching at my front door, and this is what I found:

I guess they really are nearly blind because it didn't run away when the flash went off.

Very professional video footage here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBVkMXSVhUI.

First Communion weekend

2010-05-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

Blessings on Sarah, Annie and Daniel - 2010 First Communicants!

Some photos of our weekend with Mom and Dad:

Dad with eyes mostly open

Happy Annie

the fam

Cake!

Annie wore the dress I made for her second communion

Nana holds a baby gator

Pop and gator friend in the distance

After Claire showed us she only had one finger left

John happy to see Nana and Pop

Joe with friends after jr National Honor Society induction

Fun in the Sun

2010-04-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats a dirt pile for fun.

Unless it is Uncle John.

Or entertainment from squeezable Charlie:

By the way, Sid Hoff's Scarface Al and His Uncle Sam is a steal at Amazon for only $3.30 used. Meanwhile, Professor Wormbog in Search of the Zipper-ump-a-zoo goes for as much as $274.

Happy Eastah!

2010-04-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

Paul's been walking lately, and loves his new shoes he got for Easter. Likes to stomp around in them and show them off. I think they make his legs look long and dapper when worn with a body suit.

A walking egg hunt. Maybe the thrill of the hunt has worn off.

Joe gave up certain aspects of his shaving routine for Lent which was a great sacrifice for me.

Thank God he shaved for Mass.

March 19

2010-03-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Happy feast day to all the Joseph's! Word on the street is one can eat meat today because it's a Solemnity.

Also Happy 9th B-day NICK!

For his birthday, I'm letting Nick write his own blog post. I'm sure you'll find it stimulating.

the first birthday turd

2010-03-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

i finally pooped today on my birthday [daniel said thank you to the toilet].
gduwefgcshvgdbedncgwheycfaufdjfqgmtemigrylfwkjstvAG

ASCFERGFSDHLCFKWM;EXUIFSDJINGLSDFMU

NICk made this

Fun With Trampoline

2010-03-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Genie!

The Spindle!

The ...moving camera!

The TEN!

A teenager!

2010-03-09T04:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Joe!

From this:

To this:

In just 13 short years.

Can you do this?

2010-03-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad are Safe

2010-03-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

Dad called yesterday--maybe he called everybody. Anyway, they're well, and safe, in spite of the dudes with Oozies on their bus.

Ben turns 12

2010-02-18T04:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Ben!

This cake did not turn out as well as Luke's. Not enough powdered sugar.

Ben and Joe display their weaponry

Nana gets into the bead thing. Thank goodness she didn't show off her goods.

Happy Birthday to us

2010-02-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

Before Dan left we had quadruple chocolate cake and enough candles for everyone to make wishes since he'll miss all the birthdays.

New pets:

Ready for High School Musical Knex edition. I guess James is happy to be 10.

Winter Weather Advisory

2010-02-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

We heard news that a big snow was coming, so we began preparations. Daniel wore his goggles so tight, I think he might have given himself a black eye.

Still looked pretty though when the ice crystalized on his lashes.

I think I may have become the sort of person who takes pictures of their dog.

And for people who prefer their dogs to be toys, I suggest getting one of these:

This was originally one of those toys whose eyes pop out when you squeeze it, but, someone punctured its rear end, and now, it's a turd dog. Oodles of fun for a car ride to Nana and Pop's. Told kids to quit saying turd, but they couldn't help it, "He just keeps producing!"

What do you think this says?

2010-02-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

Claire told me it says "Sticker":

She wrote this all by herself, when the kids were at school.

For the Special One...

2010-02-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

I hope you got something you could really dig for your birthday.

Happy Birthday, Uncle John!

2010-01-29T04:33:00.000-08:00

Have a great birthday, Little Brother!

Survival

2010-01-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I've finished my fiftieth load of laundry and have almost emptied a container of bleach in the process, but I think we have defeated the bug that has been passed around here. Maybe we sent it away with Gram and Pop Cook, with whom we had a nice visit this weekend, despite having weak stomachs.

In celebration of health, here is our only picture of the weekend:

If you take your report card to Krispy Kreme, you can get a free donut for every A, with a limit of 6. (James must have been visiting the throne when this picture was taken.)

So we are beginning the month-long celebration of Mardi Gras. If anyone wants to join us for the Gulf Coast celebrations, the doors are opened and the kids have Fat Monday and Tuesday off of school.

More Cows

2010-01-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

I couldn't figure out how to upload this video of the baby calf, so now you can watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd2-5xvjtKg

More pictures of cousins/sisters? scaring bad guys

2010-01-07T04:43:00.000-08:00

Don't mess with a cow in labor.

The birthing party protecting the mother from intrusive onlookers

The midwife coming to warn off invaders

This should frighten someone

The intrusive onlookers ready for excitement

The newest favorite

A deterrent to attackers

How to Scare Bad Guys (in five easy steps)

2010-01-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

1. Apply Eyeliner

2. When that doesn't work, enlist a friend who knows how to apply eyeliner:

Much Better:

3. Practice your mean face:

4.Let 'em know you're packin' (show them your guns).

(But, for the love of God, do not smile when you show your guns)

5. Go ahead and knock 'em down, judo style

Disclaimers:
a.) If you are closer to forty than you are to twenty, you are more likely to scare your children with this exercise than you are to scare badguys.

b.) If you require your husband to take upwards of three hundred photos in order to accomplish one in which no one has fat rolls creeping out of their bra straps or a double chin, then you will probably do a fine job scaring bad guys without the eyeliner and guns.

Holiday Greetings

2009-12-14T12:43:00.000-08:00

Been a little slow around these parts.

Since we're not sending Christmas cards this year, I thought I would send you all a Duffy family E-greeting.

From our house to yours...a very special holiday!

See you in a few weeks.

White elephant this year?

Giving Thanks

2009-11-29T20:59:00.000-08:00

We had a great time with the Texas Husteds this weekend.

We ate lots of food.

We took Nature Hikes.

We celebrated Luke's Birthday.

We defended the universe.

I feel a little like Uncle Trent saying, Come down and see us y'all; we'll treat ya right!

Weekend events

2009-11-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

Finally figured out how to pull photos from our new camera, so here are some shots from Sue and Blake's wedding two weeks ago. Our camera batteries were completely dead when we got to John and Kate's house, but we'll get some photos of those Husted boys this week! Picking up the turducken on Tuesday!

The flower girls

The ring bearer

The family group

My new haircut styled at the salon. By the way, this is a photo of the 3 Emily's.

My new haircut styled by me. Sad, I know. I'm hoping the wind was blowing from behind when this photo was taken. I'd ask for a flat iron and some quality styling products for Christmas, but maybe it will be grown out by then.

Last weekend soccer season started for the 8 and under crowd.
The Steeler

The Pink Tiger

The three older boys don't start soccer/basketball until after Christmas, so I took them to the Scottish Festival to run in races. You can see the results and some photos here.

Nuts

2009-11-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely time when Nana and Pop came down for a visit a couple weekends ago. Their arrival coincided with the start of peak pecan season, so we spent alot of time out on the patio, sipping coffee and gathering/cracking nuts.
Well, mostly Pop cracked them, and we wish he would come back down, because there are SO many more to be cracked.
That's not even all of them. And by "all" I'm not including the ones still on the trees. I hope you all like pecans for Christmas, because that's what you're getting.
Proud new parents of a pumpkin roll:
Not six hours after Nana and Pop departed, we had a surprise "lunch & potty" visit from the Cooks! They brought whoopie pies (that's a delicious cookie, not a potty euphemism) and antics aplenty, and Luke and Charlie enjoyed seeing the cousins and Bosco, respectively. (Actually, Charlie has now decided that most of the Go, Dog. Go! dogs are named 'Babo.')

The rare and elusive 'Six-Eyed Cook', with a creepy 'Four-Eyed Weirdo' specimen lurking behind

This week was also the first leaf dump of the year - we decided to tackle them each weekend this time instead of waiting until they were all down, as we did last year... not the best approach, unless you prefer raking up snakes from the bottom of a 3-inch layer of wet leaf goop.
Luke's Best Idea Ever

Getting old

2009-11-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Uncle Seth and Uncle Joe Duffy!

Love, the Cooks

Par-tay

2009-11-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

Do you recognize anybody in these videos?

Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQE3KnNEkMQ

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ1_UxQ-LRY

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvjoVHCutg4

Got to watch them all.

Some pictures from our trip

2009-11-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

This picture is overlooking the Danube to the town of Durnstein. We crossed the river on a small ferry and then cycled back to the town of Weissenkirchen, where we were staying. It was in the Wachau Valley, very famous for it's vineyards. Up on the mountain you can see the remains of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned.

We were leaving the Czech Republic, crossing the iron curtain into Germany. It was actually quite moving to know that in not too distant history, people were shot for making this crossing.

This picture was taken in the town of Cesky Krumlov...a beautiful little town in Bohemia.

We saw and experienced so much on our trip...and are grateful we had the opportunity to go. Hopefully, we will be able to make another cycling trip in the future. We are currently trying to make a decision about going to the Holy Land in February with Anne and Bill.

We have enjoyed the upsurge in posts to the family blog! Dad and I have had more than a few laughs over the pictures and comments! We are a very blessed family!

We are off to Texas this weekend to spend some time with the Husteds.

Winter is fast approaching...we have had several deep frosts and most of the leaves are down. We slept in front of the fire place last night to keep warm! The cows are due to deliver at the end of the month.

Holy Husteds, Batman!

2009-11-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Nice costumes, Cooks! And, 50 pieces each + a communal stash of the leftovers?!? Wow, you guys cleaned up.

Here are the Husteds' supercostumes.
The Caped Crusader, with Safety Flashlight

The Boy Wonder

The Boy Wondering at a Tiny Pumpkin

There was some evildoer-extermination necessary in our neighborhood as well. Although in our case, it was the evil parents who didn't trick-or-treat long enough for 50 pieces of candy.

Halloween morning: Pumpkin carving/Hat wearing.

Halloween Photos

2009-11-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

My kids are looking forward to seeing photos of their cousins in costume here. (hint hint)

Below is a photo of our official Halloween costumes. Claire was a ballerina and John was Indy on Friday for Dan's work party. John was happier to be the Hulk on Saturday, even though it was a little chilly to go out shirtless. We went trick or treating with our friends the Schwartzes in their neighborhood, which was full of kids, decorated houses, and generous treaters. They even had hayrides and Smartcar rides. I let each kid pick out their top 50 pieces of candy, and then we dumped the rest into a communal pot: a shopping bag full of sugar.

And below are the Superheroes, ready to rid the neighborhood of evildoers: John, Patrick and Maria

Before trick or treating we found a gecko on the curtains and kept him for a pet for the morning. Claire named him Ziggy, and John cried when he let him go in the garden.

Can you can see the tears in John's eyes in this reduced size photo or not?

Here is Ziggy saying goodbye:

Ghostbustin a Move

2009-10-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Spirit Week

2009-10-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

These costumes aren't quite as original as Daniel's. Last week was spirit week, and this was crazy clothes day. John's nerd outfit was a big hit. Joe is supposed to be a leprechaun for St. Patrick's. Claire is not dressed up; she is wearing a tank top because it was nearly 90 degrees. But it looks like we'll get cooler weather for trick or treating.

Doug Fight and parties

2009-10-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun to be had this Fall. The puppies have been the center of attention for the past few weeks, and Mom and Dad's fall party was no exception. It was dog heaven with kenai, camp, lillian, merryrose, doug, and zoe [what a motley (and sort of embarrassing) array of names]. Dogs outnumbered children for the first time in Husted history. Here, doug, nee "tough puppy" takes on zoe. Who wins? Well, seems that would be doug.

Nothing like a rousing game of Bite the Jugular.

As usual, there was a hayride.

Who's the dude in blue plaid, you wonder? That would be a friend of Rachel's. Hmmm... further reportage upon the confirmation of news to report.

Daniel went to a costume party at 4 pm on Saturday afternoon. So, at 3:30, the same day, we began work on his costume. The primary goal of his vision was to be wrapped in duct tape. Initially he thought, this might constitute a mummy costume, but upon reflection, decided he was more of a knight. Personally, I think he was more David Bowie, space oddity. See what you think:

Horseback riding with McAllisters yielded this lovely shot. Must share:

And for the record, this is what Paul looks like these days:

Find a Book?

2009-10-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Do any of you know of a search engine or chat room or such that would help me find a book I either read or dreamed in junior high? I think the title was something like Dreamweaver or The Dream Weaver. Something about dreams and looms. No clue on the author. Anyway, each time I poke around on Amazon to see if I can find it, I get a little more obsessed with the fact that I can't.

Have I already asked about this?

This is what our children look like now

2009-10-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is Luke.
He's three, but his birthday is coming up soon... and he knows it. As he said the other day (riding in a booster in Gramps's car for the first time): "I'm not actually four... but I feel like it."
This one is Charles. He is stubby, currently, but probably in a growth spurt, or else teething, or else has swine flu. Either way, something makes him crabby at night.

And here he is after diving off of a bed at my parents' house. Is he our family's John C? Perhaps, although he hasn't required any stitches. Yet.

Here the boys are playing 'witch' on the back driveway. We're still Catholic, don't worry.

And here is Chas helping John put together an adirondack chair from a kit I found on clearance at a craft store.

It's all assembled now, and very nice to sit in -- holding a mug of Taster's Choice closely and two-handedly -- on the crisp fall days we've been having lately. The rain today soaked my cheery yellow cushion, though, which makes me a little sad because I'm probably going to forget and sit on it tomorrow, and that will be less cheery. I asked Luke if I was being crabby the other day after I snapped at him at Tom Thumb, and he admitted I was, "a little bit." Then at dinner he asked me if I thought I was "done being crabby for the day." Luckily, I was. I'm not sure why I thought of that story. Probably because it's bedtime and the boys are being naughty, and I'm a little bit crabby right now. Anyway, that's what you've all been missing.

Belated Happy Birthdays

2009-10-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

A belated happy birthday to stylish Elizabeth and Michelle! Thought of you even though we didn't call...

And here's another stylish photo of John and Kate to remind them we need to see some pics of Luke and Charles.

We also need to see some photos of Paul. I'm not sure what he looks like.

Camping Trip

2009-10-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from our weekend trip to Tallulah Gorge in Georgia with the Maloneys. It was a beautiful weekend with a hint of fall color, although we had to pack out in the rain, and our tent still isn't dry because it's been raining here all week.

The dam

Eating campfire food at the hideout

The kids enjoying the rim trail

Don't jump!

The Suspension Bridge - it does sway if you throw a bunch of preteens on it.

The main tourist attraction in town: Goats on the Roof gift shop and ice cream.

Annie feeding the goats

The ice cream train

John's find

While the big kids hiked the gorge floor with the dads, the moms and littles hiked the south rim trail. John did not have to get any more stitches.

The big kids were hiking here. Highlight: Sliding Rock, where they got to slide down a somewhat flat faced fall into a freezing pool. No one heard banjos.

Discipline Issues

2009-10-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Jane got in trouble at school the other day, got her "Card flipped" for hitting another girl in her kindergarten class. When asked why she hit Sophia, Jane replied that Sophia was pinching her nose. She squeezed her nose on the playground, and at her seat, so Jane moved to another seat. When Sophia followed with her pinchers, Jane hit her.

I don't want to say, "Go Jane" for hitting Sophia, but I can imagine how annoying it must be to have someone pinch your nose every time you turn around.

Livin' the life

2009-10-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

The kids all wanted me to be sure to post on the blog the story of our day. After church today (with timely readings and homily on marriage and family), we rented a pontoon boat at the Air Force base. Our plans were almost sabotaged by rain and by the fact that the only pontoon available was the "nice" one, which you can't fish on. But we decided to risk the rain and the dockhands said we could use the shrimp net as long as we didn't get the boat dirty. So off we set, for a glorious few hours boating around the bay. It's not the most beautiful boating place, but the kids had fun picking out the mansion they wanted for their own, and each got a turn to steer the boat. Highlights were catching 7 keeper mullets in the net (and a few small ones) - 4 in one cast by Dan - and almost hitting a dolphin. It crested right in front of the pontoon, close enough to see his eye and blowhole. We docked the boat and unloaded just as a downpour dumped gallons, washing away all the scaly evidence of our furtive fishing.

We capped off the day with a delicious fish and rice dinner, followed by Moo Bars, and watching everyone's favorite show, Extreme Home Makeover.

Wish I had more photos, but we didn't take the camera out of fear of rain.

One more

2009-10-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

And am I joking about wearing Grandma's gloves, or should I really do it?

Now you can all get on with your lives.

Vote for your favorite fashions

2009-10-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Ignore the carseat and clutter in the background, the off kilter candle and the dirt on the wall. Picture a dim light, chandeliers, a tall dark and handsome man on my arm.

Black tie (optional) event coming up. Help me decide.

Weights and Measures

2009-09-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Puppies are thriving and getting cuter.

Here's Bear, as named and collared by my next-door-neighbor. He was anxious to take him home, but after a day, I saw Bear out crying in the yard and took him back. Not ready yet, I said. Sent The pups back to mom and dad's so they'll be safe from future attempts at premature adoption.

Big fat lazy boy

Bigger fatter lazier boy

Now check this out

2009-09-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Guess what this is:

That's right; a trip to the ER.

John jumped/fell/crashed off a slide into a climbing bar on the playground at 7 pm last night.

Two staples later. Not the best job he's had.

The brave boy. This morning I asked his teacher to remind him to take it easy on the playground, and she said, "Oh boy, he's a wild man out there!"

Updates

2009-09-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here's something creepy: I just accidentally typed in http://www.thehustedfamily.blogspot.com/ and up comes another Husted family blog, with, get this: the SAME background! Coincidence or long lost cousins?

Here are some recent photos: A big catch. Joe assured me, he was saving me money because fish is about $20 a pound. I set him straight.

Later Joe found this in his pants:

And some football shots. Joe is #80 and Ben is #55.

Maybe you've already seen this

2009-09-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Besides being exposed to the H1N1 virus, my kids are learning lots of interesting things in school. Here's a sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5im0Ssyyus

Now it can be stuck in your heads, too.

Photo update

2009-09-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Manwall with books:

We spent labor day weekend puppy sitting at Mom and Dad's, had some friends come out and visit, cooked out, camped, ate a lot. But the true highlight of the weekend was watching "Half-ton Mom" on the 50 inch HDTV. You really get a better feel for the actual girth of the super-morbidly obese on the big screen. And the Sunday night line-up on TLC is just fantastic: Half-ton Dad followed by Half-ton Virgin, and if you're still hungry, there's yet another episode of Half-ton Mom.

For your enjoyment, a recent family portrait:

Nana and Pop's visit to Mississippi

2009-09-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with Nana and Pop last weekend, even though we didn't do half the things we told the kids we would do when Nana and Pop came, like rent a boat, go out to eat at a southern BBQ place, take a swamp tour and look for alligators, visit Beauvoir (vacation home of Jefferson Davis, who also has a high school named after him down here), stop in a casino. Maybe next time.

What we did: went fishing and ate the catfish Joe caught.

Went to an artfair and got in an accident on the way home and obsessed about getting sued.

This is a photo taken while chasing down the vehicle to document its lack of damage for the insurance company.

Went to church and then to the Fractured Prune, a doughnut place that cooks your donut one at a time and then smothers it in toppings. The donuts were tasty, but disappointingly small for $1.00 each. And the teenaged boys working the store looked a little flea-bitten. Then the kids were whiny because they didn't get an overpriced chocolate milk with their overpriced fried dough, so we left.

But the afternoon was redeemed by a short trip to the beach. Enough time to build a sand tunnel. For some reason I don't feel tempted to take pictures at this beach. Maybe because a highway runs alongside it, and casinos are in the background if you look to the right or to the left. But the dogs really liked it for their short burst of freedom.

Although this was a short visit we did have time to celebrate Nana's birthday before they had to go to get back to the puppies.

Speaking of dogs, is anyone placing bets on whether the Duffy's will end up keeping a puppy when Mom and Dad come back from their trip? If the girl Husteds don't take them all, I'll bet Luke would really like one, too . . .

First Day of School 2 weeks later

2009-08-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here are photos from the first day of school. Ben spent the second and third day home with strep throat but is all better now. John hasn't been sent to the principal's office yet, and he has learned to read a word: "I". Annie loves her teacher, Mrs. Spires, although she keeps asking if she can go over to someone's house to play, but we haven't met anyone yet. And with homework and making lunches, I'm not sure sending them to school is a lot less work than homeschooling.

Joe has his first football game Monday. For Friday night fun we went to the high school game and watched the game and the cheerleaders - all 25 of them. Almost one per football player. St. Patrick's mascot is the "Fighting Irish," and the fight song is extremely familiar - "Cheer, Cheer" - but I'm not sure about if the lyrics are the same. At least we have t-shirts to wear to the games! Joe wore the "Go Irish" button he got at an ND game 5 or 6 years ago.

Joe has a tie and jacket for Thursdays, which are Mass days.

There are enough for everyone!

2009-08-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

They all look just like this!

Place your order...they are going fast!

Don't you just know how she feels???? Seriously...they are soooo cute!

Happy Sunday to the family!

Are You Ready to Have Puppies?

2009-08-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Puppies, all around! John and Kate? I know you want an inbred puppy. I wish I had a picture, but I didn't have my camera on that day. Will get one soon, as Mom and Dad's camera has broken.

In other news, we baled hay. Wish you could have been there. Really.

Sure we look country fresh and natural. But itchy itchy, scratchy scratchy.

And... if you get too close to the tractor when it's spinning the elevator, this could happen to you:

Doesn't feel good at all.

In other news, here's the kids on the first day of school--Jane's first day of kindergarten:

And here they are the day before the first day of school:

It's been a great summer. Sorry it had to end.

Twice the size and a fraction of the price!

2009-08-13T14:12:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law just sent me this link to the "man wall" which costs a mere 15K.

I think Mom and Dad got a great bargain on the Joe Duffy version:

This is before shelves, books and knicknacks. I'll post another the next time I'm at mom and dad's so we can view its metamorphosis into a Where's Waldo frame.

Man wall builder for hire, by the way. We only make fun of our BEST customers.

Virtual tour

2009-08-12T19:40:00.001-07:00

With the help of tour guide Annie, I took some photos the other day for your curiousity and pleasure. As you can see, we could use some pictures on the walls, but otherwise have our stuff in place.

Welcoming entry sentry:Breakfast area and Wii zone in back:Laundry/dump station:Kitchen from the other end featuring my end:My office:Dining room:Kids' Office/underutilized space:War zone:Sanctuary:Spa resort:

Infiltrated!
And now to indulge a bit of vanity: This weekend saw the completion of a couple crafts. Dan finished Claire's trundle, and we painted Annie's bed. I added trim to the lamp and recovered the seat from the green chair I found in the trash (recognize the fabric, Betty?) Martha Stewart, watch out!

Belated Happy Anniversary

2009-08-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

to Kate and John! Hope you guys had a romantic date! Five wonderful years! It might have been our fifth anniversary when we bought a minivan...

Couldn't find any photos on our computer from your wedding, sorry!

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

2009-08-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

I was just organizing pictures on the computer and these two made me laugh. Especially the pizza one.

It is a red letter day!

2009-08-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

You may not believe it but Dad and I bought a new TV today!! Not only is it the first NEW TV we have ever purchased, it is the ONLY TV we have ever purchased!! It was so exciting. Perhaps you would like to come on over to OUR house to watch TV!
Here is something, among many other things, that I learned today. We bought it at Best Buy. They have a computer in the store where you can look up merchandise that they handle. The TV we bought was 40 dollars less on the web than the advertised price in the store...so they sold it to us for the lower price. I do not get it, but liked it.
I saw the doctor today and he was pleased with my progress....I will have some physical therapy for 3 weeks and then should be as good as new. Thanks everyone for your calls and your help. Since today was my first "outing" since my surgery, we celebrated with a lunch at the Golden Coral..EEEH HIIII! oink oink. Here piggy piggy.
Joe has been installing our new cabinets in the basement....they are absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to get everything rearranged!
Love to you all!

Beach Trip

2009-07-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

We are finally feeling sort of settled. Still trying to find the best place for everything but at least we're able to move around and not trip over piles. We're also getting to know the area and have found the library and the best Walmart and the pool on the base. The other night for a bit of history we watched a video a friend loaned about Katrina, which made everyone scared before bedtime. They all wanted a grownup to sit near them during prayers.

One of the supposed perks of renting the house we're in right now is that we are only a mile from the beach. So yesterday, after listening to Ben cry about how he wanted to go home to Virginia, and everyone else complain about being bored just minutes after dropping Dan off at the airport for a 10 day trip to Italy, Spain, Germany, Romania and Bulgaria, I decided we should load up the bikes and ride to the waterfront. The ride was pretty easy, but upon arrival we were greeted by this: "Lay down on the ground or I'm going to **&%$# kill you!" Sunday afternoon drunks getting into a fight. A bronzed, fat bald guy was cussing out another chubby drunk for flashing his wife, a skinny, burned up lady who was also cussing up a storm. (Two of three Mississippians are overweight, leading to the motto, "Walk, Mississippi!" posted all over town. Who wants to walk when it's hot and humid all the time?) Fortunately, the police arrived before I had the bikes locked up, so we decided to stay. The beach is not actually on the Gulf, but the Mississippi Sound, I have been informed, which is why the water is black and muddy and not blue and green like the area around Pensacola and Destin in Florida a couple hours away. And which is probably why Annie ran up to me crying, "I sat down in the water and now my bottom hurts!" Nonetheless, we stayed for about half an hour before riding home because a big black cloud was rolling in. I was able to get supper made before a storm hit, and the lights started flickering, causing flashbacks to the Katrina video.

Still, we'll probably go back to the beach. And there is some aesthetic appeal in the live oaks draped in Spanish moss and the little island in the bay we can see from our corner. I think we'll have to get a boat.

Happy Times

2009-07-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

Y'all are going to hate me for posting so many photos, but I couldn't decide on my favorites. Some scenes from our summer of family fun in reverse order, mostly:

Danger at Circle S Ranch series:

Or "Rough Day for Ben" Series:

Grandma's Funeral Celebration series:

(also titled "Why") Caught.

Dog lovers/haters

Cowboy series:

Cool kids series:

Gerber baby contest winner:
John in flight:
John in fight:
More Texas fun:

Look out Luke:

Cute Charlie series:

Stylish Duffy series (aka Cute Paul series):

Camp fun:

Last Look

2009-07-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Funeral--I think we were having way too much fun

2009-07-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Lake

2009-07-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Someone Please Post Something.

2009-07-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

ANYTHING.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY PERFECT SISTER-IN-LAW!!!

2009-06-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

It's your special day!

Camp St. Isadore 2009

2009-06-23T13:38:00.001-07:00

Here is the first night at camp... Team "Explosive Rockets" Team "Shark Tooth" Team "The Carpenters"
The older children took a raft trip with Pop and Dan. The river was too high for canoes. The younger children took a trip to the Circle S Ranch and had a great time too.
We did a service project...weeded and spread mulch in the Marian Grotto at the Family Center...in the rain. Nick caught this large mouth bass afterwards. Everyone was really excited...Ben cooked it for dinner and it was yummy! Building animal traps and a trapping contest was a part of the week. However, although rabbits and baby racoons were sighted, none were caught.
The kids did a bee project, researching, drawing, observing and then a presentation on the final night.

Here is a shot of the final family cookout...s'mores and more s'mores!

Future camper!

WE had a great time!

Family Lessons

2009-06-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

We had fun visiting, too. We all, but Luke especially, are looking forward to the Cooks' visit in a couple weeks! Luke may defensively tattoo himself, but he likes the commotion, at least after the fact. On Wednesday afternoon, he asked where the Duffys were, and I said they were probably almost back to their house in Indiana, and he said, "When they get there, we should call them to see if they want to come back here for supper."

We did have a great time with the Duffys. The only household scars: a broken plant and a broken Little People bin. But we got a Bionicle and a rubber frog ring out of the deal, so I think it was a fair exchange. We also got the effects of older cousin influence... here are some recent (i.e. since the D's left) quotes by Luke, all of which have been followed with a goofy (or maybe sly?) smile and the phrase: "That is what one of my cousins said." (I like how he doesn't implicate anyone in particular... although I have guesses about which lines are from which cousins.)

* With my IP Troop Direction Finder, we will never be lost! Oops!

* Maybe this horse will go poop and then it will fall off of it into the pool!

* With my IP34A Finder, we will never be lost! Oops!

* I've got a bite. An itchy bitchy bug bite!

* Don't go there, that's an explosion. You will die.

* My IP34BEA will never be lost! Oops!

Thanks, Duffys! :)

And now, an ad:
The excellent accommodations enjoyed by all who stay at Chez Husted:

Enjoy our newly installed movie lounger.

We treat our guests well.

Come, enjoy the finer things with us.

As I said, we'll treachya right.

Outta there

2009-06-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, all of our junk is on a big truck heading for storage somewhere. Our house is cleaner than it has ever been and empty. The plants I carefully chose a couple of years ago are probably going to die or be replaced. All my kids cried to sleep the other night. We're now homeless and on the road. Looking forward to seeing everyone! Sorry if I fall asleep at the dinner table. The last month was a little rough.

TEXAS!!!

2009-06-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

We descended on the state of Texas last weekend, filled John and Kate's home with our delightful presence, and all of Texas was sad (or rejoicing) when we left three days later.

Luke wrote a letter H on his little finger so that everyone would know that he's a Husted, not to be confused with the numerous Duffys that threatened to usurp him.

We rolled in late on Saturday night, and regaled John with tales of our harrowing journey, after much feasting. Went to a Mass at UD Sunday morning and then took Luke and our kids to a park and museum north of Dallas to see what the landscape might have looked like before people.

On Monday, Aunt Leslie came over and we hung out with the kids while John was at work, and we awaited Kate's return from her sister's graduation. Uncle Trent came over for Yankee Doodle, Texas style, and took the boys on a ride in the convertible to get snow cones. A real highlight.

And finally Kate came home so I had to quit pretending I owned the place. We had a nice visit Monday night, sitting around the table in their back yard.

Thanks John and Kate for letting us crash at your house!!!

It's Potty Time!!!!

2009-06-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Birthday boy

The Duffy kids

The Birthday brat, I mean cat

The birthday girl

And the Anniversary couple...Shhh...Eternity (whispered)...it's timeless.

Happy summer

2009-05-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

As you all know, we spent a few days with the Tharps on Caddo Lake and had the opportunity to do some fishing in the cypress swamp. Here is a view of one of the scary fish that are found there. We did not get pictures of the cotton mouth snakes that were plentiful!
I wish that I had a picture of Dan and David from kindergarten to better illustrate the significance of this picture....a testimony to the truth that friendships can endure separation, differences in religious sentiments and politcal persuasions, the passage of time and the onset of grey hair !
We had a great time but I am not certain that Uncertain, Texas is a place that I want to revisit.

Music Movies

2009-05-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

Just finished watching August Rush with the kids, even though I initially told them we were only going to watch 30 mins and then go to bed, because they stayed up late watching Willow last night. When Daddy's away...

Anyway, what does anyone make of this movie? While watching it, I kept having flashbacks to this confrontation Lebo had in the Blockbuster in our old neighborhood in Dallas with a couple of effetes who were checking out Mr. Holland's Opus, which she promptly derided as Mr. Holland's Doofus. So she stood and argued with them about the de-merits of this movie, which she claimed was overly sentimental, canned, predictable, etc, while Nate, Dan and I stepped out of the store to avoid engaging. Same comments could be made of August Rush: adolescent acting, manipulative emotional scenes, a love affair built on a couple of upclose eye-locks. Robin Williams is a cheesy rehash of Fagan, supposedly threatening, but really laughable, who spouts a bunch of neo-platonic hoohah about the music of the spheres to the kid musicians he's hiding in an old theater. And the ending is predictable. And even though it took Annie awhile to figure out who August's parents turn out to be, everyone else knows as soon as the movie starts. I did fastforward a little of the romance at the beginning: it goes from a rooftop kiss, to the lovers waking on the roof, all clothed, but spooning.

But at the same time that I'm going through this argument in my head, after fast forwarding the scenes where the girl cellist's father tries to break them up and the rock star renounces his music, we started watching when August is at the boys' home and learns to whistle. And I got sucked in, as did all the kids. I tried telling myself that I appreciated the movie's message about the power of the arts to lead to transcendence. And it had a good message about faith. And a warning about falling in with suspicious characters. The choreographed grand finale was almost too obvious to enjoy, and yet I enjoyed it. I let myself be manipulated. And I hope my kids are now more interested in music.

In other news, our inspection seemed to go well today: no electrical, plumbing, roof, or foundation problems. We don't have the final report of what we'll have to fix, but most of the repairs the inspector noticed are minimal - biggest is getting the wrought iron railing resoldered and the bricks that it's anchored to replaced. And getting a window in the stairwell replaced with tempered glass, which is apparently now the code. To celebrate the inspection being over, I let the boys get down the little GI Joes from the attic, where I've stashed a bunch of toys. Next step: the appraisal. Happily a house similar to ours just sold, and it compares favorably to ours. St. Joseph, we're not quite ready to dig you up yet and have a feast in your honor. but we're starting to think about it. Keep petitioning for us!

Wild Ride

2009-05-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Joe wanted to share this photo with you all from our trip to Busch Gardens. We had a great time on the coasters before getting drenched on our way out by a downpour. Even Claire rode some rides, and Ben agreed to ride the Big Bad Wolf because John was riding it again. Busch Gardens has a great deal for military: Four free passes. Then Dan was able to sweet talk our cashier into letting all 8 of us in for free. Double sweet. This gift, value about $350, is a slight consolation for the $$ we stand to lose on our house if it doesn't sell soon. Still entertaining lookers, which means the house is cleaner than it has ever been.

Hope all the moms in the fam had a great Mother's Day. We had fun with Dan's brothers and cousins and Grandma and beautiful weather in Lancaster. Dan's aunt and uncle's neighborhood had a garage sale Saturday morning which was the busiest garage sale I have ever seen. Amish were everywhere on their scooters and bikes with trailers. There was even a buggy with a red radio flyer wagon hitched on the back for all the loot. Policemen were at the end of the road directing traffic. Mikko and I cased a few sales, and I regretfully walked away from a pretty cherry end table for $35. Annie bought a first Communion dress for her American Girl doll, James bought a stuffed animal, and Joe wanted to buy what he thought was dynamite, but it turned out to be road flares. Disappointing. Not disappointing: for Mother's Day, my kids and husby gave me a pink ipod, the fancy kind that plays movies. We downloaded a bunch of stuff from Brian, but now it is formatted for a Mac, and we have a Dell. Well, I guess I'll watch Ironman, Pixar shorts, and Muppets Christmas Carol a few times before reformatting and reloading.

Dan received an honor today: For his end of tour award he was given a meritorious service medal which is about as high a medal as you can get without being in battle. But then Claire rudely told him he looked scary. I guess camo makes anyone look a little dangerous.

I think you meant: Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

WE LOVE YOU! (oh, and you too Kate)

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

We love you!

Easter, Andy's birthday, Nick's 1st Communion, and my Makeover

2009-04-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

EASTer at THE DUFFYS

The hooligans awake at 6:30 am. Actually, Nick awoke at about 5, and stood on the stairs asking every five minutes or so, when it would be time to hunt eggs. After an hour of this, he said, "You guys are ruining my Easter!" so, we slowly made our way out of bed.

An Easter Still life:

Our egg hunt pictures were less than thrilling. Nick found an egg. Nick found another egg. Nick found yet another egg. And Daniel, Jane and Andy cried.

I made this awesome cake for Andy's birthday, at Emily's inspiration

But he couldn't be bothered to wake up and eat it.

Seems Andy was feeling a little under the weather at his birthday party and probably gave all of his guests a cold. Definitely passed on the cold to Paul who is now combatting his second ear infection in his little life.

FIRST COMMUNION
Bringing up the gifts

Getting enrolled in the order of the Scapular

A rockin' First Communion after party!

And, most importantly:
I've given myself a makeover. It sucks. Someone told me recently that my hair was not as blonde as it used to be, which got me thinking maybe it was time to lighten it a little. I saw a dye kit on sale at Kroger and bought it because it was only three dollars. Then one night when my Duffy sisters-in-law were here I made the mistake of showing it to them. It was meant just to indicate that I'm so wild and crazy I purchased a hair dye kit--not that I intended to use it. But the kit launched a runaway train and before I knew it, Susie had donned the rubber gloves and activated the dye, and there I was on the floor getting my hair colored by Susie and Val. I made a last minute plea to Joe, "If you don't want me to dye my hair, speak now or forever hold your peace." I thought for sure he'd say, "DOn't dye your hair." But alas, he said, "You're going to dye your hair? Well, whatever."

The outcome was less than thrilling. I decided now was the time to get a short haircut, so it will grow out sooner. Nevermind that short haircuts and large bottoms are not a good look for anyone.

Are You Hungry for Jesus?

2009-04-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Easter Photos

2009-04-25T08:15:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'll post our pics too. It looks like Easter in Indiana was very fun, despite the limited eggs and excess of cheap choco-bunnies.

Sugar coma! Just kidding, this was before the Peeps.
I thought Luke would think the Pez was cooler.
PEEPS!!! Chas couldn't get enough of them, and when he would get down to stuffing the whole head & shoulders in his mouth, I kept taking it out to avoid having to do an Easter morning Heimlich, and he would cry until we gave him another one. I think we created a monster.

There are always enough eggs with just two boys.

This was from just a couple days ago.
I'm sad that we didn't remember even to try for an Easter group shot - the boys looked very sweet in seersucker, and were all the rage with the old people at our early bird Mass. It was too drizzly to get a photo at church, and then by the time we got home, I just had ham on the brain. Someone needs to get married before the boys outgrow their outfits, then I'll have another photo op. Anyone? Anyone?

Photos part 2

2009-04-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Why do we try to get group shots?

Which family photo should go in our Christmas cards?

James has been reading too many Calvin and Hobbes books

There's never enough eggs to go around

Nature study of another of Joe's trapped quarry: 14 mice, 1 sparrow, 1 vole.

Never enough cake to go around:

Fortunately, besides appearances to the contrary in the above photo, Dad did not go into a diabetic coma this Easter.

Anyone know how to get the photos in order? I guess the short answer is: don't post so many. But I couldn't decide.

Happy Easter

2009-04-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

My goal is to publish some photos from Easter before I finish all the Easter candy. I think there are about 3 Dove eggs left. Dan's been gone all week, so I've been eating candy instead of talking to people at night.
So here's to a good Easter!

I can't figure out how to get my photos in the right order. Or ununderline the previous. So here goes:
Cheap Chocolate:

The first of 14 trapped mice:

Coloring Eggs:

Attack Pop:

Car entertainment. Want to come for our next 11 hr trip?

Goodbye cacti

2009-04-21T17:25:00.001-07:00

I meant to share this back when it happened, but never posted it.

patriotism and paint choices

2009-04-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

I've always thought of myself as having an eye for color, but now I'm not so sure. Based on the chips in the store, I thought these were all slight variations of yellow. Help!!! Our room is neon and frightening at the moment, and we may just have to go with a beige.

more wounds

2009-04-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

I think Janie is ready to replace Molly Ringwold in a new version of the brat pack; she has just the right expression.

A couple days after taking Ben's stitches out last week, Claire fell and hit her head on the corner of the wall. It was minutes before bedtime. Because Claire's last experience with the doctor was when she had MRSA, she started throwing a fit when she heard she was going to the doctor. So Dan detoured to Walgreens to get her some Dora Bandaids before going to the ER. 2 hours later she came home with three stitches right in the middle of her forehead where the curl should be.

Wah wah wah wah WAh WAh

2009-03-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Untitled

2009-03-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

The boys are on Spring Break this week, so I branched out a little and invited over a couple of women from Church with their kids. Between the three of us there were ten boys and two girls, and it just happened to be our tough luck to wake up to a rainy day. Bother. Several of their toddler boys eat legos so our house was a death trap, and of course, my children fought with everyone. Just when I think it's safe to go out in public...

In other news, Jane and Joe have been practicing up to compete with the Cooks for the Dancing with the Stars title. Notice how neither one of them are willing to admit that they know they're being filmed:

We had a nice visit with the Husteds. Dad said he looked in on the boys while they were playing cars on the "road" carpet. They all drove their cars to the Church and went in to go to Mass.

Daniel: "OK, they're all at Church: 'Jesus, Jesus, blah blah blah, Jesus, Jesus, blah blah blah.' OK, now they can go to Kroger."

Dad suggested I work on more formative activities with Daniel. He seems to have missed the message--though, I'm just pleased they saw fit to make their cars go to MAss.

Wounded warriors

2009-03-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend Ben and Joe and Dan went camping with the boy scouts. They were out west of here a ways for the Mountain Man Rendezvous, one of those events where grown men play dress up and have log chopping contests and sell squirrel stew and big turkey legs. The boys were really looking forward to it, but just after breakfast, Ben fell while on a hike. Fortunately, Dan was able to take him to get 8 nice new stitches. They delighted in telling me that they could see multiple layers of Ben's leg: epidermis, fat layer, bloody tissue beneath... I thought we might have to return to the ER tonight when Claire fell off Joe's bed. She cried a little, then settled down, but when I went in to get her to brush her teeth, she said, "Blood." Sure enough she had a cut on her head, but it was pretty small. I called all the kids in to say, look, this is what you get for jumping on the bed.

So we didn't get around to our list of house projects (painting baseboards, repairing some screens, patching the hole in the laundry room door that John made with a light saber) this weekend. Dan and I escaped on the couch Saturday night to watch Moulin Rouge. Loved it. Our life is pretty much a musical, too; we'll be looking for a place with a little more of this.

dancing with the stars

2009-03-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Another Birthday

2009-03-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

Joe is officially a pre-teen now. He turned 12 on Monday and did a great job being sullen and grumpy today in preparation for adolescence. Tonight was his and Ben's last basketball game in the Y league. Dan has been coaching, and they have lost, badly, every single game. So all day he was grousing about his game. In a moment of generosity, one of the teams loaned the Cook team their best player, so they weren't trounced as badly as they have been - they only lost by a few points, and Joe scored a couple baskets, so his mood had improved by bedtime.

Last weekend was absolutely beautiful, but we spent the time inside at the bowling alley at a fundraiser for Birthrite. Claire met a beauty pageant queen who is supposed to post her picture at www.freewebs.com/missvirginiaaq08. So this week her mind has been full of princesses, and with Annie's help, she is already planning her purple princess birthday party, to which she is going to invite all her friends from co-op. I'm wondering if she is going to invite her friend "Alex" who supposedly she met at the Y. "Alex" is a princess and, according to Claire, she has a baby brother who died. I'm wondering that, if addition to cussing, Claire is also becoming a liar. She seems to be good at making up stories and at tattling. When I asked her yesterday why she was telling on John, she told me to go spank him. At least she's not hitting him so much herself.

Perhaps Claire should have given up tattling for Lent. Ben, Dan and I gave up sweets, and Dan gave up beer in addition. Joe and James gave up Wii and Joe also gave up chocolate while James also gave up cookies. John supposedly gave up fighting, and Annie gave up gum and picking her nose. We are trying to get John to give this up, too, but he told us he likes the taste.

Lately John has been dressing up to go to the library. First he was a knight, and then a cowboy, and last Tuesday he wore his astronaut suit. I think he enjoys the appreciative stares that he garners from the other pre-school boys who attend at the same time. He also entertained the librarians with the easy one-button operation of his helmet at check-out time.

Ben has yet to love Taylor but today he shared a couple of things he has been learning. First he got a 100 on his reading test, and he also learned a poem: "This is my pinkie, this is my thumb, this is the peace sign, and you're number one." Or something like that. It has hand motions that I'm sure Garrett G., the Duffy's friend, would appreciate.

Here are some recent photos: The Seabee ball was last weekend. I'm looking old and wrinkly in basic black after sporting hot pink last year. We won the centerpiece: A coconut cake with candles perfect for Joe's birthday celebration.

James got artistic with the camera while he was supposed to be doing math. The glass is reflecting on Claire's first representational drawing: a baby. If you look closely, you can make out eyes, nose, and many arms.

John wanted Luke to see this picture of him in the bath because he so enjoyed Luke's bubble suit photo. He has not worn this outfit to the library.

Something else to do with your torn up books

2009-03-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

Snow

2009-03-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

Kate, sorry I can't help you with the fox painting - but if cute is what you're after, you'll be surprised by the realism of my art. I think that piece is missing from the portfolio I have with me, so John must have put it with all his other valuables.

Today the kids were thrilled to wake to SNOW. The week before the Inauguration we kept hearing all this news about a snow storm, and in fact schools were cancelled Jan 20 on the threat of snow (or because everyone wanted to watch the inauguration?) that never arrived. This time we heard nothing and so were pleasantly surprised at the dusting, which has stuck around. We have about 6 snowballs in our freezer, and so consequently very little is left in the front yard. Ben was disappointed to find that school was only delayed 2 hours. So far he's not loving his public school experience.
Last weekend our party seemed to go well - didn't need conversation starters. In fact the conversation was loud enough I didn't notice, and hope that no one else noticed, that the computer played the same song over and over all night. Fortunately, it was a generic "Mardi Gras Party!" song that no one could identify. Wish we could have had some of those cayenne cheese biscuits - they sound delish - especially since my stromboli was dry and my bacon cheese cups overcooked. Fortunately, the spinach sausage balls and the stuffed mushrooms tasted okay, the desserts were good, and we went through 2 pitchers of plantation punch, so everyone seemed in high spirits. The next day we had the Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquet, which I had to help with, so we had another busy day. We were so tired that night that we couldn't peel ourselves off the couch away from the Oscars, even though we soon realized that Slumdog Millionaire was going to win everything. Has anyone seen this movie?

This week was much quieter. Dan was in Greece, and I did a lot of reading in bed. I have been rereading Pride and Prejudice for my Brit Lit class and loving every witty line. Why can I come up with such clever comebacks? I used to think that I didn't have time to reread books because there are so many good books out there, but this is like a visit to an old friend's house. Anyone have time for a trip to England this summer?

We watched "Lars and the Real Girl" this weekend and loved it. How can the funeral of a mannekin make you cry? I was expecting something else - a little more bawdy humor - and so was pleasantly surprised.