OH THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL!

They were calling for ice, and the ice came! The pictures don't quite do it justice... The trees are so beautiful with a lining of ice on every branch. See my icicles hanging from the eaves? They might not sparkle at night, but when the light catches them, I think they're amazing. And all the power lines are coated with about a 1/4 inch of ice also, with little icicles hanging down. ComEd let Jerry and his classmates graduate a day early so they could deal with all the "power"ful effects of the ice... so today, he may be working extra long. Thank goodness we still have power here, or it'd be mighty chilly!

Here's our little sweetheart getting into the cupboards... hmm. We tried to deter him with cupboard locks... but I guess I didn't pay enough for them. 3 of them broke already. Sheesh!

And here's our future Mozart, once again... tickling the ivorys. :)

Our family photo... this picture took MANY tries to get to where it's at.

And our humble little Christmas tree! I need to be making a tree skirt for it. I thought I had some material lying around, but now, of course, I can't find it. Ahh well. We just need to place some presents under. :)

40 Years, and Still Smiling

My parents were married 40 years ago on November 16, 1968. So to help them celebrate this monumental occasion, we made the trip up.

Aww... isn't that sweet? You should've heard all the grandkids gasp as this photo came up on the slide show! They couldn't believe their grandparents did that sort of thing!

And forty years later, they're still smiling and still VERY much in love! I have to add that Cole is standing there waiting for my parents reaction. He told them the gift was from his family and they had to scream when they opened it. Their artwork truly was awe inspiring! It was cute, he was so excited for them to see the gift. :)

This is the best shot we got of the family... too bad it's not everyone. It was a wonderful evening with all the grandkids performing a little something. Michael and Cheryl performed a little song "Do you love me" from fiddler on the roof that actually brought a tear to Mom's eye. I night to remember indeed!

Oh Deer!

So, one late afternoon I look out my kitchen window, and what do I spy? Two brave deer mowing my lawn. I was afraid to spook them so I first took a photo through the window which didn't work out, so I stepped outside. They didn't flinch to the noise of the door, so I walked closer... they looked up at me, but didn't move. So I walked closer, chatted a wee bit with them, took my photos, and went back inside. Those deer were far too tame, I'm thinking.

A fun treat that came today... my best friend from grade school! She was with her husband in Chicago for a conference and came down for the day to hang out. It was so nice to see her again and catch up on all the who's and where's. And she brought along her darling little boy, Gavin. He's 10 months old... only a few months younger than James!

Gavin... isn't he cute?
Gavin, Amanda, Me, and James.

Future Mozart, Eh?

James had jam with bread for lunch... and most of the jam ended up in his hair. So, forget hair gel. Jam is just as effective. Now James can "jam" at the piano! heehee.

Tearing Down of the Wall

Shortly after moving into our new home... we were able to sell that ogre of a TV. And it went for a good cause too! A couple from church wanted a big TV so they could host a bible study using videos. I'm thankful it wasn't just for some huge football fan. :)

James getting in on the fun with Daddy.
Jerry hard at work. I'm SOOO very happy that wall is gone!