35 weeks

2011 has not gotten off to the smoothest start around here, I have to say. Grandpa Bill was hospitalized just before New Year's and went into kidney failure and passed away this past Wednesday. It was rather unexpected as we had been to see him for Christmas and he seemed to be doing wonderfully. At the same time it was not unexpected, considering his life these past three years. We really lost him in 2007, you know, at least the Bill we knew. The one my mom fell in love with, the one who was a true father to Becca. The one who ministered to so many people and served so many people and brought joy to so many people with his singing and jokes and love. But to have him fully gone... He was a wonderful man and he will be so very missed.

Well, and as if this weren't enough to start off our new year, our children have continued to flirt with illness and refuse to sleep. So I've started off the teaching year on a severe sleep deficit and have been pretty exhausted. Hence the lack of posts.

I am refusing to give in to the crumminess of the year-so-far, however. Today we embraced life and friendships and the cooking of large vats of food, hosting book club and Second Sunday Soup and dinner swap, and having a pretty lovely time with our children while we were at it.

Must head to bed, 5am and a 5 day week approach quickly. At some point I need to ramble on about the kids, update you about their shenanigans, development, funny little quotes. Many of those to tell about, even in the midst of the snotty noses and laxatives that have defined this week. (oh yes, it HAS been nothing but fun around here...) In the meantime, here are a few pictures to tide you over...