The weather outside if frightful, but inside it is so delightful!

The snow that Tommy is working on in this picture is still here. It looks like a winter wonderland here in Nebraska. But inside our kitchen the elves are busy working away preparing raviolis for our Christmas Eve Open House. My favorite part about his activity is that all of my children are back together under one roof having a great time. Pete tries to rein in their excitement and keep them focused and productive. He succeeds about half of the time! They are all so excited to be together and are busy telling each other about their lives that they get a little distracted. But in the end we always end up with the raviolis finished and ready for Christmas Eve.

This year they made 160 veal raviolis and 150 cheese raviolis. The bonus is that if any are broken they can be eaten later that day as a late lunch or dinner.

Tonight, Pete will be making meatballs and tomorrow they will conquer stuffed shells. This is a fabulous time in our house! We have so much fun preparing for the Open House and our house smells incredible.

I have a new job!

My good friend and co-worker Linda B. decided to retire this summer. This opened up the position of Library/Media Para. I applied and I am now working in this lovely library. I read to the kiddo's (which I love to do) and check in and out their books. I am responsible for this space and I am thrilled. I work with really great Media Specialists - whom I have worked with for years as a computer lab para. It's a great job and I am really thankful to have it.

Pete's been canning and pickling

Pete decided to try canning and pickling this summer. He was able to use cucumbers from our garden for the pickles. We didn't have luck with tomatoes this year, so those came from friends or the farmers market. The pickles are really good! We haven't tried the tomatoes yet, but I am sure they will make wonderful sauce. It's pretty cool looking in the "wine" cabinet and seeing all of his hard work.

Tommy - Homecoming

Tommy went with a group of friends from his Drama club this year. They went as couples, but not as date, because the tickets were cheaper for couples. Huh? Anyway, he had an ok time. Lots of drama and breakups going on.....didn't he say they went as non dates? And was he not with the drama club....what else should he expect :) I thought he looked handsome.



Tommy's non-date is the one not in a dress. She was going to get dressed after dinner, so the dress didn't get dirty.

Tommy is 16 - Watch out

Tommy turned 16 on September 12th. I would love to show pictures of his birthday, but they are being held hostage within my camera. I wasn't aware that my memory card was not in the camera when I took the pictures and my cable for the camera is no where to be found.


Pete surprised him with his car late in the evening, thus the dark picture. All of our kids have matched us monetarily to pay for their cars. This is a cute little Baretta.....it's been to the shop a few times (in the beginning) and so far seems to be a good high school car. And I love that I no longer have to tote the busy guy to all kinds of different activities.

Nick is off to college

Here he is impatiently waiting for us to be ready to leave. See the happy glow in his eyes....freedom is just about 50 minutes away! Tommy gets to ride shotgun to Lincoln...a little more brotherly bonding before Nick is gone.
We have arrived at UNL and the unpacking commences. Yes, Nick did bring his tot sized recliner. He's just that kind of guy :)

Now how do you make a bed? With sheets on inside out of course....Mom cringes and Dad laughs.

His desk area...looks functional....let's hope it gets used.

He forgot his pillow. He will have to use the dorm supplied one for awhile.

His closet, dresser and vanity area. It's actually a well laid out room.

Tommy just chillin and waiting for us to leave.

A little family pic here and then Nick rushed us on our way. Time for him to settle in and start his next adventure. We are really proud of him and thrilled that he is so happy to get started on the next step to his future career.

Tommy's First Outing As A Pitcher

Tommy's team is a little short on pitching and his coaches felt he had potential, so they put him in last night. He didn't do to bad. He can get it across the plate, not to quickly, but it get there. I was impressed that it didn't rattle him at all. He kept his Tommy smile and had fun with it. His team is having a tough season but....whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. Right?