YSA Reunion

Unfortunately, I was so wrapped up in last night's fun that I didn't even bust out my camera.
Fortunately, we had lots of our Young Single Adults back from college, and took the opportunity to have a big Christmas dinner and game night with them at our house. I have missed those kids! Really! When they're in town, we get to teach their Sunday School class during church, and have them over each Sunday evening for a spiritual thought, treats, and game night. We get so close with them, that they start to feel like our younger brothers and sisters. Dan and I collectively have 11 REAL brothers and sisters...so they just add to the mix!
Last night, we had: Codi, Jared, Jeff, Todd, Brian, Casey, Tori, Adrienne, Marie, Keri, Ali, and Hannah over for a delicious {if I do say so myself} dinner of:
Tri-tip, Shrimp Scampi, Caesar Salad, Greek Potatoes, Homemade Rolls, Egg-Nogg Punch, Chocolate/Carmel Cake and a Pumpkin Roll.
Mmm-mmm. Have to live it up in the last few days before New Years and the resolutions that follow!
They stayed late. We ate. We talked. We laughed. We played games, and laughed some more. Most of them are leaving to go back to school this week. {sad face} But it was so very good to have them in our home, and hug them, and wish them well. Love those kids.
Even when they do silly things to our house like leave two huge, live Christmas trees on our doorstep because they think it's funny. At least the trees were cheeze whiz free. Couldn't ask for more!

Oprah & Me - 1987

My witty, talented, life of the party, friend Robin posted a TV review the other day, where she asked "How is it that Oprah looks better now than in 1987?"
If you question that it could possibly be true, here's the proof:











I for one, have never been an Oprah fan, but my first thought after reading Robin's querie was "Good for her! She really does look cute on the cover of her little O magazine." But then, these were the {not quite as nice} thoughts that followed...

#1 Well, money certainly can buy beauty.

#2 There's probably a lot of airbrushing involved.

#3. Shoot. I look better now than I did in 1987 too.

And who doesn't? I don't recall it being a great year for fashion. I mean, I was rocking an I Love Lasagna Garfield t-shirt, and some shaggy, uneven bangs {thanks to my stylist, dad}.

I went searching to find a photo of my 1987 self to prove this - and the only ones from that year were taken right after my accident...so I look even more tragic than normal.

The hands free party streamers are for my brother's birthday...and the black eye...that's a post in itself. {quick version: Shopping accident at JCPenney. Metal clothes rack through the eyelid, tissue and muscle. Lots of blood. One fainting store clerk. One trip to the ER. One surgery in California. One surgery in Oregon. One huge miracle that it didn't affect my vision. And one month of looking like a pirate in the third grade.}

But that aside, I think it's safe to say that yes, I indeed look better today than I did back in '87.
Take that Oprah, you're not the only one that gets better with age. But, check back with me in another 23 years...not sure if I'll be able to say the same then!

Miss C.'s Pre

This is why I love Calvin's preschool teacher. She understands that it's all about the process, not the product. Cal's snowman is, to the average eye, upside down and wearing his scarf as a belt {which, let's be honest, is quite snappy.} But what I love, is that Miss C. did not try to correct his artwork. It's unique, it's fun, it's a great shape lesson, and it's all perfectly Calvin.


He loves Miss. C. She does all the fabulous things you think of doing as a mom, but never get quite organized enough to do.

...Like leaf hunts

Craft projects done in pajamas

Science projects that end in a deliciously creative snack... {made by the students of course}
Who could resist those Octopus Leg breadsticks? Yum!

Painting with wreckless abandon

Whipping up some homemade soup

And studying the habits of a daddy long legs we caught on our front porch.
So glad Calvin gets to spend five hours a week learning, laughing, sharing and creating with such an amazing teacher! Love her!

{in school pics taken by Miss. C}