Thxgivin' 2 Double O 7

Well, as most of you already know, we made the decision to stay put this Thanksgiving because there has been some illness in my family. Our day at home allowed us the opportunity to relax and get ready for the holidays. Jack had a lot of fun putting up the tree.
We had to get a new tree since the Great Basement Flood of 2007 claimed our other one. So, we went bigger and better (and the tree was actually less money than our little one). Jack and I would hang ornaments on the tree and he would laugh and clap. We still need to teach him to stay away from the tree though.
"Sittin' around by the Christmas tree..."
Amy made a Thanksgiving feast for us, complete with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy (which I made), rolls, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and pretzel salad. We also bought a pumpkin pie from Wally World. We weren't going to press our luck on that one...
Jack enjoyed dessert at least. He'd better start liking the rest of it, 'cause we're going to be eating the leftovers for quite a while!
Being Smiley McGooferson.
Aaaaaagggghhhhh!

Early Morning Shenanigans

"I'm sure you're wondering why I have this on my head, but probably moreso exactly how I matched my 'jammers in such a truly awesome fashion," Jack explains. "I think the real question here though is 'why do we have a green headband in this house in the first place?' Let's address the real issue here, folks, shall we? I mean REALLY."

Caught In The Act!

Dexter and Jack seem to get along better now more than ever. Wonder why that is?

Happy 3rd Birthday, Peyton Elisabeth!

All dressed up for Halloween as Princess Jasmine.
Obsessed with Grammy Tami's knee-highs.
Beautiful little girl.
Which witch is which? I've got wheels!

Happy Birthday, Peytunia Elisabells!

We love you and wished we could have been there to help you celebrate! Have a great birthday and make sure you get plenty of sugar!

ThE (oThEr) VrBi

Happy Birthday, Aunt Missy!

My cousin Vanessa and sister Missy, both expecting within a month from each other.
Keeping order during chaos is what Missy does best!
Showing off her baby bump.
Missy and Jared.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Missy!

We love you very much and hope you have a great 28th year of life!

ThE vRbI

Staying Home For Three Days

I really like this photo. Another good lighting shot by me. Way to go, ME!

Dad and Jack got to spend a lot of time together this week, as Jack came down with an ear/sinus infection for the ages. Jack was 'interesting' during those three days. We had periods of extreme good cheer followed almost immediately--and without notice--by episodes of mental and physical anguish (for lack of a more diplomatic way of saying it). I did catch some of his better moments on camera.

Here, he enjoys watching cartoons. Boy, did we watch cartoons. I learned a lot from watching those cartoons. And I think the one that stands out better than any other is that I despise "WonderPets". That show is a complete insult to a child's intelligence. (My mom used to say that same thing about "Gumby and Friends" and I never knew what she meant by that. Now I do.)
I finally turned the telly off and got the trapset out. Ringo here performs brilliantly.
And fashioned a neat little hat out of a saucepan. Brills.
Watching him play his drums was not only loud, but Hilarious Clinton!
Don't know what the point of this photo is, but I like it.

A Chance To Breakdance!

I took these miscellaneous photos of Jack on the new tile the other day. After starting to post them, I realized that it looks as though he's breakdancing, so I'm going with it. Kick back, relax and let the breakdance impress you (as well as the tile).

Jack was home with me Wednesday-Friday with an ear/sinus infection, so we weren't able to travel to Palisade for Peyton's third birthday party. Darn it. But he's starting to feel better, so that's a good thing.

I'll post more later. We're watching our three GI teams competing in the state finals for volleyball today on TV. All three teams have a really good chance of winning in each of their classes, so it'll be interesting to see if they can sweep 'em!

He Throws Like His Dad Throws

Another Reason Why We Love the New Floors

Tori's Birthday Weekend

We were lucky enough to have Tori here on her 16th birthday! Here are her and Uncle Dave at Whiskey Creek. I love that picture!
Here is Tori with her boyfriend Dan. I totally would never stab him with a shank (inside joke).
Jack enjoyed Whiskey Creek a little too much...
Yes, that is ice cream. He had finished his grilled cheese before we even got our meals, so he had ice cream while we ate. Yikes!
We embarassed Tori by having the wait staff sing "Happy Birthday" to her. This plate o' brownies was her consolation prize.
Making a huge mess. (We left extra in the tip for the cleanup.)
It's been a great meal when you have chocolate sauce on your arms, hands, chin, nose and in your hair!
Tori's birthday cake.
Tori and her birthday cake.

Jack was a big showoff that night during the Husker volleyball game. He had a good time burning off the sugar high by spinning and running and showing off for Grandma and Grandpa. They enjoyed it too.
Dex was exhausted after the volleyball game, as were all of us!
Tori too!
Jack and his cousin Tori. 16 years and 16 months. (Okay, almost 17.)
Tor and Jackles.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Sarah!

Sarah and Peyton Elisabeth
Matthew and his Aunt Sarah
Broseph and Sarha Varbas
Sarah with Peyton on Joe's back....oops, I guess that's a gorilla. I don't have my contacts in this morning. You'll have to excuse me!
Sarah demonstrates improper jumping jacks form to the children.

Happy Birthday to you, Sarah! Hope you have a million more!
(You had to know I'd use the jumping jacks photo, right?!)


ThE vRbI

Happy Sweet 16, Tori Rae!

We are so proud of you and so happy we get to spend your 16th birthday with you!

We love you very, very much.

ThE vRbI