This One's For You. . . .

A few weeks ago, on Facebook, I declared that "Weekend in New England" was my favorite Barry Manilow song. But, for me, that's kind of like trying to pin me down on my favorite flavor of Sonic flavored Diet Coke. There's lime, vanilla, cherry, diet cherry syrup. . . .so many flavor combinations. . . so little time.

I really do like the song, "This One's For You," and remember many afternoons singing into my microphone (hairbrush) to that song -- dreaming, hoping, wishing that Barry was singing a duet with me. I know. . . I know.

Sorry. Slight digression there. But, if you remember Barry, you're humming one of two classic songs. And. . .you're welcome.

I realized, with the busy-ness of the holidays, and getting a new computer -- I haven't posted pictures in ages. I'm sorry. I really am. So this long-awaited photo-filled post should hopefully fill some need in you, if you've wanted to see pictures of my family. Or, at least the kids!

I don't set out to put cryptic titles on my blog posts. And yet, I nearly do all the time. Today's post . . . .today's title. . . it is for a very special someone -- and her mommy. Jenni, my sweet friend. . .this post is for YOU!

I don't *think* I posted a picture of this. . . .I went on a field trip with Caroline's class in December. It was a lot of fun. We went to the Christmas Show at the Black Bear Jamboree in Pigeon Forge. We actually had to leave during the show - two times (!) - to go potty. Her, not me. That was a fun, fun day! *Even though her face doesn't seem to reflect the joy!!


Jenni - here's where you're gonna love this post. Guess what Caroline is OBSESSED with these days? Jigsaw puzzles. Seriously -- if she could color, play her drum, and do jigsaw puzzles all day, life would be a dream!


. . .and the little stinker is getting really good at them!

She's also decided that this. . . .

. . . is the face that she'd like to use for all pictures in the future. Ahem.

Back in December, our family went to Country Tonight theater, in Pigeon Forge for their Christmas show. It's kind of become a tradition with us. . . Dad takes harmonica lessons from their musical director, and Mike (Dad's teacher) gets us freebie tickets. Great deal -- lots of fun. During the Christmas show, they always sing a song about children -- and invite kids from the audience to come up and sit on the stage while Mr. Kevin sings to, and about them.

Caroline has done this two or three times -- usually with an escort (Edison or Mark). This year, she declared that she was "big and brave," and was going to go up by herself. And that, she did. . . .

The young man to her left, I have learned, is a student of my friend Kathy. The young man on the right shares that "extra little something" with Caroline. He is the Theater Manager's son - and though I'd heard about him - we hadn't had a chance to meet him through our local Down sydrome group. It was very interesting watching him watch Caroline. . . instinct is strong. And, they both enjoyed hearing Kevin (good looking guy in the red jacket) sing. Caroline was very proud of herself - and we were proud that she was "big and brave."

One of Caroline's Christmas presents was a doctor kit. Our local library has one -- and every time she and Mark visit the library, she gets the doctor kit out, and plays with it. Needless to say, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman may officially have some competition -- because Dr. Caroline is on the case!


The patient (victim) in these pictures is her newest baby doll, Polly. Polly is a great baby doll - but she's BIG. She wears 3 month clothes. It's comical, watching Caroline try to cuddle, or even carry her around. But like everything -- she'll grow into her!

And of course, when the doctor is done, what do they do with their stethoscopes?

The put them around their necks. See??

The doctor is in. No waiting.

This past weekend, my niece Becca, came for a visit. Unfortunately, Caroline was very, very sick in the early part of Becca's visit - so they only got to see each other for a couple hours. They made up for the limited time by filling every minute with Wii bowling and boxing. . . .


And, of course by filling our hearts and minds with the joy that only music can bring. . .

Yes, that is a recorder. At some point, just before the 4-snow-day week we endured after two weeks off of school, Caroline's music teacher sent home her recorder. I can't say as I blame her -- I would think getting recorders into the homes of 250 kindergartners would be more pleasing than keeping them at school. Sigh.

Speaking of music. . . .




I am so proud of this young man. He is really starting to "blossom" as a musician. He has filled in twice for Mark on the bass at church. One Sunday, while Caroline was sick - he agreed to play, and was sightreading the entire service. Granted, he knew the songs. But still. . . .

And yes, we are staring down the barrel at "get your driver's permit" week. He seems to think it's going to be one day next week. We will have to see. I'm not sure there's enough Tylenol PM in the world for me to sleep once he's got his permit.

Last thing. . . I promise. (I'm out of pictures)

Since the advent of this blog, many of you know that we moved into our house nearly two years ago. I love my house. I loved my old house. I love the fact that I've lived in my little (unincorporated) town longer than I have lived anywhere - in my life. And, the twelve years that we lived in our old house -- was the longest I've had the same address and/or phone number. EVER.

But, I love my house. I love the people that used to live in this house. I love the fact that this house was designed for them -- and it meets my family's needs. I love that it's quiet. I love that it's on the end of a dead-end street. For the most part, I love my neighbors.

The only thing that I was lacking? A pantry. And, if I'm honest, I didn't have one in my previous house, either--or the one before that. But the one before that had a kickin' pantry. And once you've had a pantry -- you somehow always need one.

So, what do you do when you need/want a pantry, and there's place to carve one out? You tear out a wash sink (that you never used) and take down a mirror, clock, and towel bar. . .


And, you put in these awesome shelves. . . .


And then, you relocate stuff out of crowded cabinets - and fill them up. . . . and there, my friends, you have a pantry!

For you "anti-pantry" people out there. . . . can't imagine there are too many of you -- because pantries ROCK? We have a message:



Hee hee!

Seriously - I have to thank Mark for the awesome job he did on these. I just mentioned it one or two (hundred) times. And he came through in a big, big way.

Thanks for making it all the way through. Jenni - like I said, this one's for you. Your love of jigsaw puzzles has always made me smile. And your love for Caroline has been such a HUGE blessing in our lives. Give your mommy a big old hug from Caroline and me. One of these days -- I promise -- we'll come to Canada and do jigsaw puzzles with you.