985.

That's how many Lego pieces Jack used to put this Lego Millennium Falcon together! He worked on it Christmas night, and finished it up today - he did a great job!

Merry Christmas!

Just some scenes from the day...
Hope everyone had a very happy Christmas!

Faith and trust and peace while we're alive.

And so it begins... we wish a very Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends! I will try to post some pictures over the weekend, but in case things get crazy, we leave you with the Goo Goo Dolls...


And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

And it's someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words
And sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

Next!

Just a little glimpse...

... into life with a 21 month old. This is one of Will's many "stations" around the house. At each one, his job is to wreck stuff. He is self-employed. Here he demonstrates how to empty the contents of one of my drawers.

More Caleb. Oh yeah, and those two other people.

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are two-thousand words for ya. Thanks to "Quote Woman" at c by the sea for the pictures.

John Demonstrates the "Hip Check."

We just returned from John's company Christmas party, held at the RDV Sportsplex. We got to ice skate, and Santa even showed up with some gifts!

STILL don't think so!

I don't THINK so!

A Baby is a Gift,

a gift from a Bob, a baby is a gift from a Bob, Bob, Bob. (Sorry, the Rugrats have taken over my brain.) A baby is a gift from ABOVE! We love you, Caleb! Can't wait to meet you! Good job, Heath & Jenn! (well, mostly Jenn) Thanks to Gheghe for the pictures!

Hard to believe....

that this guy will be a father today! (photo circa 1983)


To stay up-to-date on baby news, check out: cbythesea,
where grandmother Connie will be giving periodic, live, on-the-scene reports!

edited to add: CALEB JOSEPH TERRY IS HERE!! BORN SOMETIME BETWEEN 9 & 10 pm, WEIGHING IN AT 8lbs, 5oz!!!

The Annual Christmas Mess-A-Thon!

Making Christmas cookies has always been an adventure... but never more so than this time! Will got in on the action this year, wanting to be as close to the action as possible... and Leah & Jack have still not lost their fondness for tossing flour and arguing over the rolling pin. But it always ends up a good time - and the cookies always turn out yummy!

Learning about the Lights of Winter.

Today we learned a bit about different holidays people celebrate in winter. These pictures were taken while the kids made latkes, a food commonly eaten during Hanukkah celebrations. The verdict: kids say: they are OK, but we wouldn't order them in a restaurant. I say: can't talk, too busy putting latkes in my mouth...

Christmas Parade, Florida Style!

Tonight we headed for the marina to watch the Annual Lighted Boat Parade. 17 boats decked out with lights, inflatable Santas and snowmen and Christmas trees made their way from the Seabreeze Bridge in Daytona down the ICW and into our marina. People were gathered on the fishing piers, along the shore and on balconies in waterfront condos to cheer on the "floats". It was a lot of fun, and the kids have already come up with some great ideas for OUR float next year...

On Dharma.

Since I have received a few inquiries regarding our Christmas Card this year, I thought I would address them here... you may have noticed that we have named our boat "Dharma Queen." Dharma is a Sanskrit word that means the essential function or nature of a thing. In other words, dharma is one's conformity to a divine or creative principle at work in an individual... an allegiance to your sole or primary purpose in life. When you find your dharma, you live an authentic life. So there you go.

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Peace out.

A Great Knight.

OK, sorry for the corny title. Anyway, last night Karen and I took the kids to Medieval Times.
It was a lot of fun. We are currently studying the Middle Ages, so it was a great way to see a little of what went on back in thirteenth and fourteenth century England. We ate our feast on pewter serving platters - with no silverware. Our table cheered for the Red Knight during the tournament, who demonstrated his chivalry by kissing a flower and throwing it to Ashley, and then choosing Leah to receive his special scarf. The boys definitely enjoyed the jousting and sword-fighting!

Conclusion: a great place to visit, but I'm glad I didn't live back then!

Training begins.

The finishing touch!

It is done.

Yes, I know... a little late this year. Haha. The kids and I put the tree up today, looks great! I think poor Will is going to get to know the word "No!" really well this month...

Art, Table For Two.

Getting into the Christmas spirit!