whatcha gone' do with all that junk?

the junk piled high for each hand of poker
each round of betting.
hands waved it off
happily refusing.
no, no, really... you say
and laugh.
but the dealer straps on his wristband
and deals another hand.
and the cocktails flow
and the laughter rises.
until you're playing blind
enjoying a night of good fun
and good company.

new year, new day, new beginnings

here's to a new year filled with
fun
and friends
and games
and laughter.a new year filled with
being thankful for all of our blessings:
two and four-legged.
and let this be a new year
for loving
and sharing
and growing
and changing
and moving
and settling
and embracing it all.


may all of our new year's resolutions become a lifestyle.

i miss already

i miss the fun
hanging out
with nothing but markers and hot cocoa
and just watching the little ones
and hanging with the little ones
and listening to what they have to say
they get so big
so fast
each time we visit
i just hope they never get too big
to want to gang out
and drink hot cocoa
and have me just listen
to whatever they have to say.

2 toots

is there anything more awe inspiring when you are three
than when a train brings you your lunch
and you get to watch it circle and bring everyone else's lunch too?
and then you can ride the horse
as a cowgirl/boy
and put quarters into machines
to buy rings for your mom
and a small alien for yourself?

or is it perhaps most magical
when you realize you can ride with no hands?

family date

the love and joy
of working together
to create something beautiful
necklaces
bracelets
wine charms
and memories.

christmas day

the magic of christmas was...
the look on willy's face when he first saw the goodies left by santa
the look on my face right after i stepped in dog puke on mt way to the tree

teamworkmaggie dancing around in circles with minnie and mickey snuggled close
opening gift after gift and hearing "yes" and "sweeeeeet"
oma the christmas elf
dad in his usual humor
light up sneakers
the love of the dogs
and hours of self-directed play.

christmas eve

a little reindeer nose fun

cute, cute, cute.



could you love these little noses any more?

in negative 5 temperatures

we just had to get outside and play... but in -5 temperatures, we lasted approximately 5 minutes.
it was wonderful to have a white christmas and a chance to get outside in the magical snow.

a pretty great uncle

Let's get 'em good and giddy.



feeling so lucky to be together---

just wishing the whole family was here
for some holiday tickles.