Remembering sunny days

This is the lovely cheerful frame that Ava and Nicole make for me for Christmas, complete with a picture of Ava planting her sunflower house. So bright and colorful and a reminder of warm days that were and are yet to come!

Such a creative child I raised!

I absolutely love this super cool lamp that Chris made for me for Christmas.

Birthday Sushi

Nicole turned 25 this year and we celebrated at Kuru Kuru Sushi, then  had chocolate cheesecake at her apartment.  Fun times celebrating our sweet, beautiful and talented daughter!

The Battle of the Leaves

Man vs. leaves--who will win?

Okay, was there every really any doubt?

Sweet baby girl turns 5!

Thanksgiving By Ralph Waldo Emerson

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

  Today is a day like any other: twenty four hours, a
 little sunshine, a little rain.

Listen, says ambition, nervously shifting her weight from
 one boot to another---why don't you get going?

For there I am, in the mossy shadows, under the trees.

And to tell the truth, I don't want to let go of the wrists
   of idleness, I don't want to sell my life for money,
   I don't even want to come in out of the rain.

  ---from Black Oaks, by Mary Oliver