Miss Frassafrass

November 30, 2011

Little Miss Frassafrass. Hot Shot. Sissy. Velcro. Yanyell. Danielley. Daniella. Sweetheart. Of all the names we've ever called you, you will, always and forever, be one that you'll never outgrow--My Baby. Happy birthday, Miss Danielle. I really can't believe you're thirteen already. Where does the time go?

Saturday Night Jam Session at the Dome

November 27, 2011

I love these people--hanging out with them is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night!


Jennifer, Valerie, and me
Jennifer and ValerieMy rock star hubby
Doug and David, getting their groove on

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

November 27, 2011

It dawned on me that if I wanted to get family holiday pictures, I had a fairly limited window of opportunity this year. Often there are two photo shoots to get the right shot for our Christmas cards--one where at least one child is in a sullen mood, or at least an onery one, and then one I schedule after hopelessly throwing in the towel, where we actually manage to find a good shot with all of them looking pretty darn pleasant simultaneously. This year, since Bree was only home from college for a few days, I didn't have time to do a re-shoot if I wanted all three of them in the picture. We'd have to get it right the first time. Luckily, the kids were in on my sense of urgency (they may or may not have been reminded by Doug to be as cooperative as possible), and I'm really happy with our results. Even though Nicholas good-naturedly grumbled under his breath just a little bit (he feels he can't be taken seriously as a dude if he doesn't grouse about family photos), and Danielle had to throw in the obligatory 'goofy face' every now and again, and Bree said to me at the outset, "Mom, you are limited to 100 frames and three scene changes," they all knew that it was important to me to get a good shot of all three of my favorite people, together.

Giving Thanks that My Baby is Home

November 24, 2011

It makes me oh, so happy (and thankful!) to have my baby home for Thanksgiving. Not that we did anything particularly exciting--a little holiday meal, a little Black Friday shopping, a lot of laughing and chatting as a family. All of us together again for a little while.

Thanksgiving 2011

November 24, 2011

On the afternoon of Thanksgiving, the kids were all over at their dad's house. We try very hard to make sure that we both get to see the kids on all the big days of the year--Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays, etc.--so we weren't going to see them until later on in the evening that day. While the kids were over there, we went to Doug's mom's house to spend Thanksgiving with his side of the family. I really enjoy being a part of a bigger family like this, especially since my own siblings are so spread out that we don't always get a chance to get together at Thanksgiving. I'm thankful to have in-laws who welcome us and include us as part of their celebration.

I think Miss Zoe is thankful she's got a cushy seat!
Doug and Jonathon, playing cards.
Doug and his sister, Lisa.
Justin and Courtney
Doug and his mom.





Lisa and Larry


Doug and his nephew Justin.