Goodbye Blaze...

Last week, our first hamster passed away. Blaze was just about 14 months old and the softest hamster ever. He loved to run on his wheel which often made enough noise to keep you up at night. He was hand trained and enjoyed getting a piece of cheese as a treat. We received Blaze as a Christmas gift and he was related to several hamsters in our neighborhood. We will miss Blaze and hope he is enjoying hamster heaven.

Our New President

"What a confidant figure," Alex told me as he watched Barack Obama arrive to be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. Being busy at work, I only heard the tail end of his speech but I will watch it later. I am both excited and hopeful for the changes that may be made for the better here in our country beginning today. I am planning to use his speech as well as quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday when I teach the kids class at church. It's funny, when I talk to Alan about it he just doesn't understand the concept of prejudice! It's no big deal to him that the president is black. I hope I have truly taught my kids that there are no differences in people that matter beyond what is in their heart, mind and soul.

Benjamin, now eight!

Well, Benjamin's birthday was yesterday. I can't believe he is eight years old! He sure is a handful but so cute and determined to let everyone know He Is Benjamin! He enjoyed breakfast in bed, tv and video games ALL day and dinner at his favorite, Sizzler. Of course there were lots of presents. The day before, many of our friends met with us to bowl at Fats Cats to celebrate. He said it was the best birthday ever, I hope he has many more happy birthdays!

Martin Luther King Jr.

He had a dream and tomorrow that dream is realized that a black man can become the president of the United States of America (tomorrow). It makes me proud to be an American (as long as I don't think of how greedy, gluttonous and polluting we are). If you read this, pray that Obama can really make changes for our country and for the world. We all should have a dream. A dream that humankind can find peace, love and happiness!

Having a bad day...

Well, things are getting to me today. I've got a migraine so it's hard to tolerate life with the usual humor. I'd like to stay positive and focused but really I just want to cry! I know my life is like a lot of people's these days, hard times are here for most everyone, but I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you are reading this send me some positive energy, say a prayer for me or give me a call or email to cheer me up. I really need it!

A visit from the Crystalline Entity

On a recent morning, I saw we were being visited by the Crystalline Entity.

OK, this is the real Crystalline Entity. That was just all the snow we've been getting (turned upside down).

Christmas morning 2008

Thought someone might like to see some photos of the boys on Christmas morning!

And here's the Christmas tree!