Natural light

Nov. 30

I love how it plays across his face.

We find our Christmas tree

Nov. 29

Oliver at 4 months

Nov. 17

Veterans' Day

Nov. 11

The funeral home that handled my grandpa's burial last Fall had a beautiful memorial service for the veterans tonight. The families were welcomed with a small reception. A few of them had lost loved ones recently in the line of duty. My grandpa served in the army over seas during WWI and my grandma served in the Navy in the States while she waited for him to come home.

Two peas in a pod

Nov. 10Annabelle and Oliver have such a special relationship already. He adores her. They can often be found hanging out together. I think it's because she really understands him.

And probably because they both have blue eyes.

She still calls him "Oviler." I just can't correct her. I'll let him do it someday if he doesn't like it anymore.

Our Reno .5

Nov. 3

In the foyer, the front door was a faded faux wood finish, fiberglass door. So my mom and I painted it a fresh clean white. I think it will be a happy, inviting entry. The closet doors will also be white soon.

I know. I hear all the groans from the natural wood finish lovers out there. You can't really see it from the picture, but the wood is in pretty poor condition, having lived a hard life with the previous owners. A bright white finish will lighten this hall and give it a new lease on life!

Here, the new large family room is just about finished. Ahh, how I love all of the natural light that is now flooding the room since opening up the two walls.

Another view of the family room.

Noah's eighth birthday party

Oct 31

Noah is really enjoying all things detective (takes after his mom).

His favorite books to read are the Geronimo Stilton series and he's starting to read the Hardy Boys.

He loves to play Clue.

So this year for his birthday party, we played the clue game . . . life-sized.

Identities were assigned to the guests and they came dressed in character. Here is the birthday boy, Sergeant Gray with his grandparents: Professor Plum and Dr. Green.

Everyone received picture clues and we moved from room to room making our guesses.

This year Noah requested cheese cake. Lady Lavender watches to make sure he lights all of the candles without getting burned.

Down on the farm

Oct 29

There's a farm just down the way and every year they have pumpkins, a corn maze,

animals to see

and a tractor with Oliver's name on it.

This is the first time we've been to this farm. It was a very cold day.

Painting

Oct 23

Noah gets a chance to paint a closet.

My Mom - sweet serendipity

Oct 22My beautiful mom with her sixth grandchild.

Here's a curious little known fact: Mom's due date with me was her birthday, August third.

I was born on my birthday, July fifteenth.

Oliver's due date was also August third, but he was born on his birthday, July seventeenth.

Wouldn't it have been serendipitous if he had been born on my birthday?

Oliver James at three months

Oct. 17Hello bright eyes!

reaching and grasping

This water baby loves his bath.

Eighth Birthday

Oct 16

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

My darling boy, precious young man, how is it that eight years have passed so quickly?

I cannot help but see the baby you were. I'm sorry but I always will. But I can also catch a glimpse of the man you are becoming.

You amaze me.

I love you so dearly.