more rapid than eagles his coursers they came

early, henry wakes and, using his sweet voice, asks for play and toast.



there's a new snow over everything, just as the curb was becoming black from the traffic and the grass, embarrassed, was apologetically, soggily, smeared in patches in the yard, a few new inches drifted down in the night while we dreamt, not yet of sugarplums, jingling bells, scratching hooves, a jolly old elf.

the house is cozy at last! puzzled, frozen, we began bumping the aged thermostat upward towards 90 and, though the boiler, the great green philistine in the belly of the house, was still growling and firing and hot, the house was cold and terrible.



once again, a handy, loves-to-be-schocked-while-rewiring-stuff father to the rescue, and we've been digitized! at last the house stays warm -- all of the house, even the lonely and iciciled guest room which (nearly) formerly housed drifts of glittering snow who had, most assuredly, long worn out their welcome.

in an effort to truly become midwesterners (read: keep our feet from losing toes to a frozen blackened gangrene) we've purchased new boots. we bought them at farm king. we wear them proudly and, though this mama in particular looks most ridiculous in them, does she care? no, she doesn't. because while all of you titter and snigger, her feet (cushioned in an indubitable pink cloud) are smug (snug) as they are understanding of your inability to express your jealousy properly.



jude has two new words: "yes!" fomerly communicated with an exaggerated nod of the bald head; and "ho! ho! ho!" which he exuberantly laughs after being asked, "what does santa say?" such cuteness should be outlawed -- nothing is accomplished with constant entertainment in the house!



if you've not raced to the theater to purchase your ticket to narnia, do so today! a few minor disappointments (mostly favorite lines from the book that were not included in the script) and an altogether too short experience, but we were happy for the most part.



most fabulous was the white witch -- she was perfect, cold, hard, and wore the most wonderful costumes. henry did not move in his seat (save to drink coke and eat popcorn) for the duration. children with weaponry of all kinds -- what more could henry want in a movie? he's been aslan all week -- "listen to aslan roar!" "watch mom! aslan's going to eat the bad, creepy witch!"

lastly, the students are ready for their recital! if you're local, come and support them (and us!) in their musical endeavors.