Fun in the fall

Yes, I am still rather obsessed with baby Tal...


And so is my sweet friend Laurie...


Lucy and Finley formed a band! and luckily disbanded in a matter of moments...


Harmy cleaned out his basement and we helped him put this old trash burner on the curb. Yes, that is a FREE sign on it. This thing was a beast....it weighed a million tons. Ok, so not quite...but close! And guess what? Gone...in less than an hour! People like free.


Work has begun on Millie and Harmy's garage addition...


Finley spent the weekend...well, most of it. Saturday night, at 9:30 she decided it was time to go home. You do not argue with a tired 4 year old. You merely take her home. And then, when you do go to sleep, you SLEEP.


Julie and Christine were Pan Am stewardesses for Halloween. Julie made the costumes out of sweatshirts. Yep, impressive.


Millie made Jamey's pumpkin chili. I know, sounds gross. But trust me, DELICIOUS. Harmy is ready to take it out on the road and start winning competitions!


I am hosting Wednesday Class today at Millie's. Will be spooktacular!


I had a chandelier cleaning session..my how they sparkle and shine!


On my walk I found what I believe to be DIEHARD Illini fans. I mean, wow. Really? Your roof?


My sisters and I went to the State Capitol to be present when a resolution was read in memory of our Dad.



Mike was working..


This state Representative had a smashed witch on her back...on the House floor....while in session...really????


The Capitol looks beautiful after the renovation...it was a wonderful occasion.
Happy Halloween! Finley thinks she is dressing up as Katy Perry. she's not.

Location:W College Ave,Jacksonville,United States

Baby obsessed

Maggie went into labor...two weeks early...


The excitement was palpable...


Especially since Adam imagined he would have a new baby before the Cardinals played..he did have a comfy chair and a good tv in the labor room..just in case.


Emily held vigil...and watched the entire cardinal game...still no baby...


Henry and Finley gave up and went to sleep on Millie and Harmy's bedroom floor. This in itself was amazing...


Sweet baby Tal arrived after 34 hours. It was a ROUGH start for the sweet guy.. He had his first helicopter ride when he was only 3 hours old


The NICU nurses took beautiful care of him...


He is a fighter...and just look at how cute his mini blood pressure cuff was...and how darling he is. I can say that, I am the grandmother.


After 76 hours on the cooling blanket, his Mama and daddy got to hold him


It was a wonderful moment...


He is pretty perfect. And we thank you all for your prayers...they DID help. His prognosis? A perfectly healthy miracle baby.


Meanwhile, we entertained Tal's big sister....Annie and Lucy hard at work..


Pumpkin art...


While Harmy was busy helping put a cabinet together for me...


Sam got to hold his newest cousin


Cole and Kate hit the Cape


Where Kate was a darling bridesmaid and Cole the escort without socks I do believe....


Sunday...football and chili with Penny and Bill in Boston...looking right at home


Shelley and I finished our Microsoft Excel class at Lincoln Land Community College and earned 1/2 of a college credit! We now have B.A.'s and 1/2 credit. Woo hoo. P.S. We hate school...but we loved our pizza and wine before class. So, it was worth it!


Finley...so bored with it all..already



And Henry??? loving every minute of being a big brother...


In fact, he thinks he is in charge!
Seriously,thanks for the prayers and love.

Location:W College Ave,Jacksonville,United States

This and that...

I had some visitors at work... And I let them continue their favorite art project


Yes, chair art. Why not. It is my chair, and they love it and I love them..so again, why not. It makes me happy and we all need happy!


Finley made Mama Elsa a bracelet...using a lot of tape...and Mama Elsa wore it all day. By the way, this is the cute Mama Elsa..for those of you in the know. This Mama Elsa has no need of cosmetic surgery. And she is a great sport.


Harmy and Finley had a boot polishing session. Talk about proud. She wants to bring her entire fleet of boots over now.


Julie has a new hair color, and unlike her tattoo, I REALLY like it!


Sue is in Florida at her Mama's. Taunting me. However, I am going there with her...yes, I am. This winter...me..there. With Sue. NICE!!


Nutty with her sweet baby. Best baby..almost ever. In fact he is so good, she can do this...all the time


Monogram fabric for my pillows. Even nicer!! And Cole....back in the Midwest...Champaign, Illinois as a matter of fact...for Dan and Laura's big day


Cole and the groom, Dan. Former roomies in DC.


And the absolutely gorgeous bride, Laura. My boy was so close...and yet so far...he had a great weekend...


And then there is this picture...my sweet daddy. The expression says it all. How blessed I was to have him for 54 years.

Fall.....

September brought my children all together to celebrate the life of the dearest man I have ever known, my Daddy.





John K. And Cole


It also brought a bountiful harvest of basil...my best crop ever...and therefore an abundance of pesto was made.



And the most amazing fresh Lima beans...I'm in heaven!!


Carter on the football field...


Various ways to watch carter???Fin with a mouthful of popcorn.


And Henry??? being Henry


We have watched a lot of JHS girls tennis...


Spent time on the square...


My children thought this was a statue of their Aunt Millie??? for oh, at least ten years. It's not, in case you wondered.


JHS Homecoming..the first parade for us.


Lady Crimson tennis team..


Finley scoring a wee bit of candy...


Well, massive amounts.


A mushroom growing in the neighbors yard...it too is massive


The dance???Lucy and Annie with Finley.


My darling nieces..


Lucy and Mason


Finley, Kim and Bethany.


Davis and Annie..





Finley said it was great fun going to all of these dance parties!!


Moving day approaches...my cute new home,