Enjoying Christmas

James One tasting one of his new toys.

The little boys really racked up this Christmas! They shouldn't be bored for a while. We had a late Christmas lunch at the Bostons home on Ft. Bragg. Cassie was there with her friend, both vegans, so there was a great selection of vegetarian/vegan food. Afterwards, Miquelito and I went to Raleigh for Terry Anderson's birthday party. He shares a birthday with Jesus. Isn't that sweet. Day after Christmas, I guess we call it Boxing Day, I went to Greensboro to get Mal and then we drove to Mebane to visit Jon, Lila and baby James. We ate at a Japanese place that wasn't too bad--for a small town cafe. Saturday we started painting the control room of Mike's music studio. For such a small room, it was a LOT of work. On Sunday, after church, I pretty much just collapsed into an exhausted heap. So, Christmas of 2014 is officially over.

Merry Christmas 2014

May your holidays be blessed.

I am having a hard time believing the tomorrow is Christmas day. Even though Christmas comes the same time every year, it always catches me by surprise. Maybe next year I'll do better. We'll be driving around the state the next couple of days, splitting our time between the kids and grandkids. Mike, Hannah, Malcolm and James Two went to Cana to see Mem last Sunday. I stayed home and babysat for all 4 dogs. They were quite well-behaved, but still 4 dogs is a lot. The cats were less than thrilled. I'm not taking off any time for the holidays...but the Plan is closed for a couple days this week and on New Year's Day next week. So, I have some short weeks. Plus it will be quiet since most everyone else is off. I am hoping to do some painting. I haven't felt like doing anything in several months, except for messing with art journals. I might try to post some pictures later.

Countdown to Christmas (and more baby pictures)

Pictures of my cousin Sokichi's grandchildren. Maika is Fumie's daughter and Yuzuki is Tomoya's daughter. Early in 2014, the last of my mother's generation (her brother-in-law) passed on. It is so amazing that this same year brought 4 children into the next generation (the 4th generation after our parents). As for me and mine, well...2 healthy, sweet and beautiful grandsons is a blessing beyond description. Babies are wonderful.

Maika

Yuzuki

Updated Photo

James and James, 6 months and 5 months

James and James

Cousins! James and James

My little baby boys. They finally got to meet each other. I'm so bowled over by the intense cuteness that I can hardly type. James is 4 months old now and other James is 3 months. They are much more interactive now, smiling and cooing and drooling all over the place, but they still aren't too interested in each other. That will probably take another month. Both their mommies are in school. James' daddy left for Korea Monday and we're all very sad, but he gets Skype with him every day. Right now, I'm just counting my blessings...two of the best babies in the world and they're both MINE!!

Summer Music Festival

On the lawn at Southern Village

Bertie with baby James and her in-laws

Mike played a gig with his band, The Banana Seats, at Southern Village sometime this summer. The exact date escapes me at the moment. It was about a month ago I guess, judging by the age of Baby James. Her in-laws drove up from Fayetteville to hang out with us and the rest of the villagers. Southern Village is a planned community just south of Chapel Hill. They have a big village green in the center of the shopping area and they have movies and bands all summer. It's great, although on this particular day, it was a little too hot for my tastes. I don't do well in temperatures over 72 degrees. Anyhow, it was a fun afternoon.

My other son, Early

The magnificent Mr. Moose

I don't expect a non-dog lover to understand this...but this is one awesome dog. He's smart and sweet and huge and loyal. We took him in with some trepidation, but he quickly became one of the gang. Even if Bertie wanted him back, I don't think we'd let him go. We've all bonded. Mike even calls him "son." Mal was a little miffed at how easily he was replaced. Let this be a lesson to adult children everywhere--you are not irreplaceable! I think I prefer animals to people...in fact I'm sure of it. The older I get, the less I like people.