Smile? What smile, bah humbug!!!

Last weekend as we were taking down our tree I realized that we didn't take a photo of LL in one of my favorite dresses we bought her. So, I decided she needed to dress up in it so I could snap a few quick shots, even if it was after the fact.

Uh-hmmm...have I mentioned how hard this child is to "make" smile for a photo? If not, clearly you missed the post titled, "Just Cuz", October 20th, LOL!

Here are the results of my efforts. I give SUCH credit to the pros who make every child look like an angel...


Cheesy Smile #1


BIG Squeeze for Santa, let him breathe Honey!


Mom, what's that smell?


OK, good enough, the Toothy Smile will have to do!

My friend Deb who lives "Down the Garden Path" has shared she has a similar issue with LL's Bengbu Sister, Little E!. I sure hope one day we each can get some nice photos of our little sweeties...before they are teenagers!

On another note, our LL has hit another big milestone over the past week or so. Can you guess what it is?


She's gonna HATE me for this later I know!!!

Yup! She's almost potty-trained!!!!!! It has been a long, drawn-out affair indeed. But I feel we finally are on the home stretch! Good-bye diapers, Hello Dora undies!!!! What would we do without Dora, LOL!!

ADK Getaway...

For the past two days we enjoyed a little getaway to one of our favorite spots, tucked away in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. BW decided to stay home and have some "quality time" with friends and see a concert. We decided it was OK, and posted some trusted spy's to check on things. BB asked his best buddy Grasshopper to come and of course we said yes. Grasshoppers parents claim our BB as their 4th child and we happily claim Grasshopper as our 4th as well, LOL!

It was a nice, but windy trip up north. With winds as high as 45 mph, we didn't spend a lot of time outside. We did manage a little shopping, some photo taking and certainly sightseeing. On Monday we wrapped up our trip to a wonderful new museum that we've been so excited to visit. It was a wonderful day for all. My favorite part was the otters. For anyone who knows me well, they know I ADORE otters. They are just so frisky, playful, spontaneous and cute. What is not to love? The kids all enjoyed themselves immensely and can't wait to go back soon.


Roaring Brook Falls




BW and GH doing some shopping


Breakfast at one of our favorite eateries


Otter Carousel


Ohhhh!!!!


Doing a backflip, these little guys are hard to photograph!


Me and my Buddy


LL making a bird feeder


One grouchy fish, I feel like this some days too!


LL really wanted to take this stuffed Moose home, can you blame her?


LL and DB touching a cloud


Sunbathing, so cute!


Puppeteers!


Well said...

Family Time...

This Saturday we got together with DB's family to celebrate Christmas at Uncle Fix-it and Aunty Ess's house. This is my favorite place to spend Christmas personally. Aunty Ess just has a way of making her home feel "so Christmasy".

After dinner, we exchanged gifts among the children. This is my favorite part, watching the anticipation on the giver and receivers faces. As usual we adults have continued to sponsor a child overseas. Our joy is made complete knowing we have been a blessing to a little one in need.

In addition to Christmas we also celebrated Uncle Fix-it and BB's birthdays. It sure is fun having two holiday birthdays! So many reasons to celebrate, so many reasons to be thankful.


Being Silly with Uncle Fix-It


Mommy and LL's Matching Outfits, We Love to Match!!


Uncle RX, BB and Cuzin' D


Help from Aunty Junebug


Happy Family


BW and DB, Hess Truck #18


Aunty Twin and Cuzin' B


A Special Kitty Charm for LL's Bracelet

Christmas Morn...

Christmas morning started as usual in our house. We, DB and I, were up first. The kids slept on. I'd like to say that our first thoughts were of sugarplums, gingerbread men and Santa Claus. But it was not so. Instead, we arose to wrestle with "the bird" that I was to cook that day. To my concern, he was not quite unfrozen and required some extra attention. Shortly after the laughter as I chased the bird around the sink, slipping and sliding, it was time to start the festivities.

LL was the first one to arise, naturally. This is the first year that she has a clue what Christmas is all about and it was SO much fun for us all. My joy would have been complete had Papa still been here with us. There is a sad spot that permeated the day without him here. But we know he celebrated with Jesus this year. For this I find joy and peace. Once LL was awake we gave her the job of waking her brothers, always a pleasure to delegate that one!

Sleepy-headed big guys mumbled down the stairs, pausing a moment by the tree, then flopped on the couches. Once the fog cleared the paper began to fly. LL was the biggest helper, finding as much (or more) joy in seeing everyone open their gifts as she did in opening hers. How did we ever live without her I ask myself everyday.

The big surprise this year was for BB who got his long awaited new computer. Since he is an aspiring movie director, we purchased equipment for him to use both practically and for fun. Along with that Uncle Fix-it and Auntie Ess provided some professional software to set his "act in motion". He was a very happy boy, to say the least. Move over Mr. Speilberg, there's a new kid in town!

BW's focus this year has been on his car. So we provided some nice necessities for him as he prepares to hit the road.

DB and I, as always, exchanged meaningful and practical gifts mostly. His favorite being a new GPS (he gave me his during the year!) and mine a mp3 player (motivation to begin jogging!)

The highlight of our day was the blessing of shared time with extended family, my boss and his wife who visited us for some shared dessert. DB's boss also stopped by briefly yesterday to bring us a lovely handmade ornament. We are very fortunate to work for people who see us not just as employees but as friends.

I pray that all our family and friends find peace, joy, rest and rejuvination during this special holiday season. I pray too that we keep our focus on Jesus, Yahweh. For He is love, the most precious gift of all. Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Healthy New Year to all!

A Lovely Reading to Share...

"At Christmas"

by Edgar Guest

A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year;
He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season is here;

Then he's thinking more of others then he's thought the months before,
And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for.

He is less a selfish creature then at any other time;
When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime.

When it's Christmas, man is bigger and is better in his part;
He is keener for the service that is prompted by the heart.

All the petty thoughts and narrow seem to vanish for a while
And the true reward he's seeking is the glory of a smile.

Then for others he is toiling and somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas he is almost what God wanted him to be.

If I had to paint a picture of a man, I think I'd wait
Till he fought his selfish battles and had put aside his hate.

I'd not catch him at his labors when his thoughts are all of self,
On the long days and the dreary when he's striving for himself.

I'd not take him when he's sneering, when he's scornful or depressed,
But I'd look for him at Christmas when he's shining at his best.

Man is ever in a struggle and he's oft misunderstood;
There are days the worst that's in him is the master of the good,

But at Christmas kindness rules him and he puts himself aside
And his petty hates are vanquished and his heart is opened wide.

Oh, I don't know how to say it, but somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas man is almost what God sent him here to be.

At my favorite time of year I am often inspired to try and find words to express the joy that I feel. And too, the beautiful changes that happen all around me. But I never seem to manage. Thank you Mr. Guest for these lovely sentiments! There is no way I could say what is in my heart better than this.

Thank You God for sending your precious Son on this day. Born humbly, risen to Greatness. Our Saviour, Prince of Peace. Praise you Jesus!

Happy Birthday Beetleboy!!

Today is Beetleboy's 13th birthday. Thirteen...geez it seems just yesterday that I was debating with DB about baby names. The funny thing is BB was due on Christmas Eve, that sure came as a surprise when I heard that news! As my delivery date drew closer I prayed that he would arrive a little early so that I'd be home with the family, especially BW who was only five at the time, to celebrate Christmas. True to fashion, even today, he was early.

A Personal Note: Happy Birthday Big Guy. Just remember, no matter how old you get, you're still my "Baby Boy". I love you "the Purplest".

A shot from the sleepover...faces only a Mama could love!!

Fun Foto Friday

I was cooking dinner when all of a sudden this hysterical laughter rang out from upstairs. Being the curious/opportunistic photographer that I am; I grabbed the camera and went in pursuit of the giggling.

This is what I found.




BW was acting as the horse with the favorite over-sized stuffed animal as the saddle and LL astride her "trusty steed". Very cute, very funny-next time I'm grabbing the video camera!