My little one (age 11) occasionally has these contemplative moments where she's worried about us dying (after all, 44 and 52 are ancient in a tween's eyes). Last night, we got into the conversation of how she's concerned that she won't be there for me when I pass away (as in, literally there).

In perfect seriousness, she takes my hand during the conversation and says earnestly, "Mommy, I think more about you getting older than about Daddy, because you have more wrinkles than him."

Tags: alexandria, daily life, death, family

Do you have holiday traditions that are unique and/or special to you and yours?

We like to go and see the lights at UIW (when Alexandria was little, she called them the "Kiss-Me Lights")

Santa always leaves holiday PJ's under the tree for the kids to wear on Christmas morning (one kid is 24, but she still looks forward to it.)

Orange Danish rolls must be part of the breakfast experience.

"Muppet Christmas Carol" must be watched several times before the big day.

Tags: beliefs, daily life, family, fun stuff, holiday

Cold and clear, blue skies with feathery clouds. Nice!

"Black Friday," Alexandria & I went to shop for Mom's birthday gift, and since Santa only had 5 kids in the line.... hey, you're never too old for Santa. Alexandria took a good picture this year, but Boni said my personal camera one was better (they let you do one freebie if you make a purchase, and I carry my camera everywhere). I noted a lot of good bargains to come back to later (nobody shops with me - I work alone. It's a thrill-of-the-hunt thing).

Saturday was our family Thanksgiving, since kyllo couldn't make it in the actual day. boniface's dishes were especially good this year; he did a little experimenting. Cornbread stuffing, sweet meat stuffing w/raisins, yams w/caramelized sauce & marshmallows, sweet corn with a hint of garlic and cream.... you get the picture. The turkey came out great; Mom put it upside-down so the juices stayed in the breast, and the meat was falling off the bone.

It was also my mother's birthday this Sunday, so we celebrated at Thanksgiving dinner (along with Boni's belated one). kyllo bought him this huge, oversized (11" long, 5" wide) TV remote control which he loves. It can be programmed for most TVs, DVD players and VCRs. And it's REALLY hard to lose inside the sofa, although at some point we'll probably find a way.

Sunday was only in the 40s with precipitation. We stayed in and watched "Ratatouille" and drank hot chocolate. In the afternoon, Alexandria spiked a low temp (99° - 100°) into the evening.

Today, home with sick child. No more fever, but a slightly junky cough, so we're nipping it in the bud. On a good note, she was disappointed to miss school.

And so, onwards, to see what the cat is bitching about now. She probably discovered that we just turned off most of the heaters, because that mournful meow is pretty pitiful.

Tags: daily life, family, holiday

Have new camera, will clicky-clicky 'til people start running for cover. ;)

Here are some of my first attempts at photography.

Tags: craft, daily life, family, photo
Mood Swing: uploading