By the time you read this, I'll be on my way to the frozen north (okay, well North Texas, where it's five degrees cooler) to meet up with Kristen and Annie's families. We're going to visit with both sets of grandparents and some assorted aunts, uncles, and cousins before coming back here on Monday to spend two fun weeks together.

This week we've stocked the house with food and GrannySnacks, freshened up the store of bed linens and pillows, and finished up a few other projects in preparation for the coming of the elves. The only thing better would be if we never had to get ready for them to come...if they all lived here!

Today we have the honor of celebrating our friend Nicole's 20th birthday with her. Nicole is a beautiful young woman, inside and out, and her friendship is part of our collective family treasure. Happy Birthday, Nicole (two days late)!

Can I just say, I'm tired of summer?

On Wednesday of this week, it's MAiZE day! This is something our kids and most of the kids in our HOPE circle look forward to each year. And this year, we'll get to have all our grandkids out there with us! Well, all except for Miracle Sam, whose asthma is too severe for him to take part, so we'll try to find him a special treat while we're out :-)

Blair is having a baby! Addie is going to be a big sister! Congrats, Blairs!

The big dividing line: B.C....A.D. B.F.B...A.F.B. (life Before Feather Beds...life After Feather Beds.) Ahhhh....

One of the reasons I always look forward to our family being together is that I love watching the interactions among the kids. They are each other's best friends and it seems they never tire of each other's company. [Full disclosure: There are a few exceptions. But they only prove the rule.] So I'm smiling, thinking about two weeks of laughter, conversation, singing, good-natured ribbing, and yes, even the tears at the end. It doesn't get any better.

You know you've been on a low-carb diet too long when your dreams are filled with foot-long baked potatoes.

How (and why) did I ever get this old without reading The Brothers Karamazov?

The big controversy at Granny's House yesterday: Shelley wants to be (or at least dress like) Penelope. No, not for Halloween...for life. Her sisters are embarrassed and want me to step in and veto. Hey, I think she's kinda cute.

I hope you have as good a week as I plan to :-)

Labels: Books, Family, Food, Fun, Grandkids