aww, he's 51. i remember when he turned 18

But that was quite a long time ago. I gave him a pair of luxurious down-filled mittens. They're still in the mitten box now.

We had a party tonight, of course. He loves ribs and potato salad, so he made both last night while I was working--between driving kids to basketball, he cooked.

Excellent results. (Food and everything.)

It was a rather loud party.


Surprise, surprise.

Many characters were there.



this guy loves the upstairs. they always recongnize their own kind.


this guy is home for the weekend

serious sweetie

smiling sweetie

James and Sophie


Much eating.

Including cake.


At the end of the evening, as John and Dannell attempted to remove an annoyed and difficult t.c., Miss m.c. came leaping down the stairs wearing a new necklace Lydia had made for her--little sparkly crystal beads and the words, "Zo Zexy."

Dannell did a double take. "What does that say?" Then she put her forehead on the cool door casing and laughed. m.c. insisted she would not wear it to school. Dannell kept nodding, eyes shut.

I'm sorry, Honey.

I understand. Kirsten wanted one too, and here it is.



Other random pics from the evening. These pics of t.c. and Uncle Tim are in response to my request that they "Smile nice."(yah, hopeless.)




And now it's now and time for bed. He's already beat me there, sprawled on his back with a flowered pillow over his chest.

Happy Birthday, You. love, Me.