I've Just Been Converted to the Other Side of the Medical World-

Hy's been sick on and off all week.
If he were a king, instead of low man on the
Ellsworth totem pole, I'd suspect gradual poisoning.

But, having ruled that out, I'm sure I have
something in my vast medicine stores to relieve his symptoms.
However...
would that really be the wisest course of action?
Let's look at what we'd be giving up:
*Unlimited cuddling from a person who rarely tolerates human touch.
*Three consecutive days of me not having to play blocks.
*Five dollar, carry out pizza - so other children don't
feel neglected, or have to forage for themselves.
and *A day on the couch watching Fox News/Ghost Hunters,
while I dispense my magic touch.

I say,
"All hail the homeopathic method!"

We're Missing People Today...

And this is who they are:But memories almost make up
for it:

Picture Perfect - Rest Home Holiday Ball

Ok, almost picture perfect.
I can't let you end these pictures,
thinking the lady in red is sad.
She won one of the Christmas presents.
A blanket.
After that she was a whole new Cinderella.
Promise.

Yesterday was Bert's 44th Birthday-

I know because I did the math on the steamy shower wall.
We couldn't remember.
....It seems that more than hearing was lost this year.

I think we'll take him out to True Grit to celebrate.
A favorite John Wayne remake starring Matt Damon?
I think YES!
Nothing but a win-win for all of us.

But as good as that may be,
it doesn't beat Pal's hand made 'thumb war' ring.
Bert's almost as lucky as we are to have him.
Happy Birthday!

To Mom and Dad:

I am now trained to give a perfect foot rub.
I have looked up in several places,
and have collected the best techniques.
Merry Christmas, Calder

Christmas Bells are Ringing-

-Oh happy day!

It's our own little Christmas miracle.
Because Bert can hear them too.
(At least for 30 minutes intervals.)
Thank you Mr. Bionic man, and Santa.

Christmas Conversation:
Kid No. 1., "Do they work?"
Bert, "Well, yes. They (hearing aides) work great, but they're ginormous!"
Me, "If they work, what does that matter?"
Bert, "Vanity. People can see them, and they'll think I'm getting old."
Me, "Nobody will even notice. I'm only sitting five feet away and I can't even see them from here!"
Kid No. 2., "Um, Mom? .....You're not wearing your glasses."
Aging came at warp speed this year.

Christmas Pictures (sadly lacking..):
Christmas Explanations:
Pal's machete.
He's wanted a 'big knife' for forever. And I finally capitulated. He's THRILLED. It's only the eight dollar version, found in the camping section of Walmart; but you'd think it was hand forged centuries ago in Middle Earth. Why did I give in? Because I've always imagined him tripping and falling on his open pocket knife; stabbing himself somewhere vital. But it's pretty hard to stab yourself with a machete. Cut off your leg - yes. But a leg versus a life? It just seemed like the better option. I've started to doubt my reasoning and wisdom since then though. That pesky sticker that claims you must be 18 years of age or older to purchase, let alone use, is really beginning to bug me. Especially after watching him swing it around like he's a trained samurai. But that smile couldn't be any bigger, so I guess I'll just sit back and enjoy being his hero. At least until he cuts his lips off.

Best Christmas Present Ever:
My Bell. Bert scored big! I've wanted a farm bell for years. He found one on Ebay, all rusted and old- and it's BONG is unbelievable. It's the perfect gift, and thoughtful too.

Because I'll be able to call everybody for miles around to help when Pal cuts his leg off. And even Bert will hear it!

See?
I tell you - just a merry, merry Christmas.
Hope yours was the same.

Look What Calder Caught This Time!

No- just kidding.

Bert actually brought him home from work.
He was Grand!Majestic even.He was so fun to study up close.
But when he wasn't being majestic and grand,
he was usually looking at us with utter disdain- like this:
Sadly, I'm using past tense for a reason

Arrivederci

The countdown to Justin's departure began with Bokchito's Christmas parade Saturday night. We crammed in the five passenger car for warmth, and sipped hot chocolate, while we waited for the sirens to tell us it had begun.
The sirens were long in coming.
While we waited, I think we covered just about everything from Elizabeth Smart's trial, to how to break up the gang of ten year olds beating a puppy in front of us.
When it finally began I think we about had the world's mysteries solved!
Including what was taking the parade so long.
Our theory was that instead of extra time to line up all of the contestants, it took the extra time to actually go round some contestants up.
I don't think we were far from the truth.
Here's the award winner for 'best decorated'.
While they may be short on tinsel, they were very generous with the candy.
And sitting in the trunk is always fun.

Fast forward to Monday night and family home evening.
We wrote letters to soldiers serving in Iraq with Abe,
We talked on the phone with friends and family saying, "good-bye" and "good-luck",
And we used candy sticks to sip out lemonade from lemons.
Then we fluffed our blankets as much as they would fluff, and slept one last night at home together, under the Christmas tree.
And you know what?
It was probably the first year nobody gave up at four in the morning for a comfortable bed, deciding they'd had just about enough of the Christmas Spirit.
This year nobody thought that the floor was too hard.
Or that Dad's snores were too loud.
Or that Jesse and Maddie kicked them in the face.
Nobody.
And the best part?
Justin and I were head to head.
And he held my hand the entire night through...

The next day we packed. And packed, and packed, and packed. For future reference, it probably shouldn't be put off until the last two hours...
And then we loaded up!
(I don't know why this picture keeps turning on me.)

We drove down to McKinney where the stake president waited to set Justin apart as a full time missionary. While the two of them visited privately, we played hide and seek with Hydn.

"Shut your eyes, Hy."

"TIGHTER"

"No Peeking!"

And, repeat.
It kept us highly entertained.

President Packard finally called us all in for the blessing. What a neat, neat experience.


Afterward we went to eat at Texas Roadhouse.

No, it's not a lemur-
just Cache waiting for food.

Then it was time for the motel. Justin had to be at the airport by 4:30 a.m., so between all the sniffles, visiting, sobs, and smiles it was a short night. Probably more so for Justin; I noticed that Hydn somehow snuck into bed next to him. I'm thinking holding a mom's hand the entire night before, and cuddling a 3 year old the next night, doesn't make for very restful rests.


We sure love you Justin, and despite our tears, we're SOOOO VERY EXCITED AND PROUD OF YOU!!

We're So Excited! We Get Company!!

Get Ready Aunt Jane, Uncle Calvin,
Cali, Ray, and Ty-
Because we are!