Ben Kind of Funny

I have my own kind of funny. There are things that really only me and a couple of other people find amusing.

Coffee Pot!

Afghan Hound!

I'm Batman!

Two Notes!

See, most people do not find these things funny. That's okay. I've come to accept this. I'm afraid, however, that I've passed my funny gene to Ben.

Before bed, he called me back to his room because he needed to tell me a joke.

He says, "Mama, do you know who's goofy?"

"Who?" I ask.

His reply: "Goofy, you know the guy goofy? He's goofy!"

Hi-Larious.

Technical Difficulties

So I'd like to post more (really I would) but I'm having some trouble uploading photos. The good news is that my wireless network is VERY secure. The bad news is that I can't upload any pictures unless I use someone else's network. Not sure the neighbors really appreciate that.

I (translate Travis) will get it fixed someday.

Seriously. Six?

How did this happen? I think I asked the same question last year. Yup, I did. Amazing how quickly things change. I get so wrapped up in getting thru one day and getting ready for the next one, that sometimes I forget to notice that the days are turning into weeks and the weeks into months and my baby into a big boy. But, it's happened again.


Ben is now six. He reads in two languages, can make jokes in Spanish and is generally one of the most well behaved boys I know. He's full of joy, has rhythm, a great laugh and is very creative. He's athletic and sensitive. He's very smart and a little emotional at times. Even though he doesn't believe me, he's still my baby.

Waiting for the Big Guy

'Twas the night before Christmas

and two boys could hardly wait

for the arrival of Santa, his sleigh and reindeer,

Rudolph's red nose leading the way.

Hoping the weary travelers could

weather the "Arctic Blast of 2008!"

and find our chimney,

NORAD's Santa tracker they did watch.

A note of thanks,

some homemade rootbeer,

carrots and a couple of cookies

left out for the visitors.

When they first awoke,

in the hour of o'dark thirty,

Mama said "No, no, still sleepy time"

and back to slumber they went.

At day's first light,

neither Mama nor Daddy could

postpone the trip to see

what might be waiting for

them under the tree.

When who should they spy

but Aunt Tiffy and

Aunt Tiffy's Pat!

Surprise!

Oh, Santa showed up, too.

Snow Update

Yeah, so it's still here. I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon. And, we're supposed to get more!

We did leave the house yesterday, which was great. We chained up the car and headed out to pick up important supplies - like honey roasted peanuts for the boys, the fixins' for enchiladas, toilet paper for D and Cheez-its for me. And a couple of important presents.

Here's some of the latest scenes from around Portland and the snow palace.

Look - it's warming up!
There's a car under here somewhere ...

Snowshoes on Lombard - not a normal occurrence.

I think Paul Bunyan could use some mittens.

How Structural Engineers Play in the Snow

Snowball fight? Perhaps.

Snow angels? Maybe snow angles.

What they really like to do is worry about the integrity of nearby structures - the garage, the house, and most importantly, the roof over the brew structure. At least there's access to the last one - and something for the engineer to fix.

Breakfast Anyone?

Why yes, those are peanut butter fudge filled aebleskivers ...