Photography by James

Once again, the talents of James are quite evident. Well, sort of.

Hulk, Bobofat, and a Ladybug.

We trick or treated this year at our friends, Davis and Sam's neighborhood. Such a great place, the whole neighborhood is out and decorated. What a bunch of cuties. Josh was BoboFat, a character from Star Wars, though his costume was about 10 sizes too small, he still wore it. I'll spare you those pictures. The kids had a blast. James would say "Trick-or-Treat", then "Thank you" which slowly started sounding like, "Bless you". (maybe bless you for having to look at my dad in this very, very tight costume.) Scarlett wound up taking off the ladybug costume and looked like a Silver Shoed Bandit. Happy Halloween!

I Love ROCK-n-ROLL!

James has a keen ear for music. Not just any type of music either.

While driving in the car a few days ago listening to the radio James calls out, "Mommy, Led Zeppelin." He was right. Its not hard to distinguish the squeal of Robert Plant. The very next day, a song that I haven't heard of theirs before comes on and he proudly says, "Led Zeppelin more Mommy." I was hesitant in telling him, yeah buddy you're right because I, in fact did not know. The announcer came on and proved James right, it was Led Zeppelin, singing GallowsPole.

I cannot take credit for his love of music totally. His dad, is oh, a BIG Lover of Rock-n-Roll. As a baby around 6 weeks old, Josh was watching James all alone, at one point James becomes inconsolable. Josh plugs in The Last Waltz, by Martin Scorsese a music documentary of The Band. And he was hooked. Thus becoming a bedtime routine for life. Even Ms. Scarlett loves The Band. Dancing and singing, even doing some amazing air guitar riffs.

Today we're at an outdoor playplace, which my sister-in-law calls 'the restaurant that shall remain nameless'. (McD) And this song comes on called Funkytown, by Lipps,Inc. James runs over to me and says "Funkytown mommy, by Shrek." I look puzzled for a minute, then quickly remember that this song is in the movie Shrek 2.

What a smart little man.

Edible Chick

This is my niece Jeorgia. And I want to gobble her up, she is after all, dressed up like a little chicken so it is okay. Seriously though, dinner anyone?

Love

I've always hoped and prayed that they would like each other. Just because he's washing her hair doesn't necessarily mean that they like each other, but it is a small step.

Earrings

This is my darling baby girl crying after getting her EARS PIERCED!! I've talked about this for awhile now and finally just did it. She did very well, and might I say looks so stinkin cute despite the tears and a little bit of anger on her face. Way to go you tough little girl.

yes, a miracle..

This is my Dad, also known as Poppa to his grandkids. On Wednesday October 15 he had brain surgery, hence all the things stuck to his shaved head and his rockin hospital gown and bracelet. What a long day that was. Even longer the weeks leading up to that day. He was just having headaches, had a MRI, and the Drs found a tumor. Probably some of the craziest news I've ever received. I felt like the wind was taken out of me and sort of tingly all over. No comparison to how he felt though.
What a fighter he is. Did I ever have any doubt...if we're realistic with ourselves, of course we do. This is my Dad, and seeing him so vulnerable was really hard for me. The surgery lasted about 7 hours, and my Dads tumor even broke a tool upon removal. Amazing recovery. Was able to leave the hospital on Sat. Just 3 days after the surgery.

Everyday is better and better. He's left with an amazing scar, a resemblance to Bruce Willis, and I'm sure a new outlook on life. Oh Dad we love you sooooo much don't you ever go scaring us like that again. But if you must, we're all there for you. Loving you every bit of the way. And praying like crazy too.