Grandma is Visiting

Grandma is visiting for Christmas, and Jack graciously gave his bedroom to her. We actually have a spare bed that is located, quite inconveniently, in my closet.  So sometimes, the couch is a better option.

Christmas Baking, Kind of

 Cream-cheese mints. I think I am still on the learning curve with these; plus they aren't technically baking.

These are magnificent cookies, made from a kit that good friends K and M gave to me. The ingredients were all wrapped up so beautifully that I didn't want to make them. But, I am now so happy that I did! They are delicious, and I am disinclined to share with my roommates.

O'Dea Wrestling

 I like how it looks as if Andrew is levitating.

So far, the team and the twins have done very well.

It is good to be King

Apparently, all the Christmas preparations and celebrations have been very exhausting.

A Christmas Play

Jack was "Shepherd One" in the Christmas play at school, which is apparently the name of the Pope's plane. He was quite relieved, as being a shepherd meant he did not have to sing. I think that those around him were relieved as well.

Readings and Carols

It was poignant and beautiful. I think my favorite was the Filipino carol.

A Good Combination

This is a combination of my favorite things, our beautiful Cathedral and my handsome trio, yep, I like it.

Apparently my shepherds came from Italy to see the newborn babe

More Tree

Joy Indeed

Choosing the perfect Christmas Tree

Decorating, it helps to be the tallest in the family

It's the best tree we have ever had!!

How many Ipsens does it take to change a light bulb?

Our house is where light bulbs go to die.  I probably change 4-5 bulbs a week, and the porch light is the most heinous of jobs to accomplish.  But now that I have these huge and handy boys, changing the porch light is no longer my job, but it does indeed take three of them to do it.

Determined

There might be one more, last morsel in the bottom of the bag, even if I have to suffocate to get it!

Christmas is Coming!

Oh Tannenbaum 

Last Football Picture, I Swear

I just had to put in this last picture from the football season.  It is just the sweetest picture of Grandpa walking and talking with Andrew.  It makes him so happy when Grandpa comes to his games.  And now, on to wrestling.

A Thanksgiving Feast

 Appetizers

 The table before we fell upon it like starving beasts.

Dad's plate, full of starchy goodness!!  Grandpa and Grandma were our guests and made the meal a true treat.

Learning to Drive

 Isaac is attempting what can only be described as a smoldering sexy look, while learning to drive in his jammies and wearing dads gloves.

Andrew has added the touch of the ear muffs, also quite sexy.  Now if they can just stop stalling the car all over the parking lot.

Holy Names Homecoming Dance

 This is handsome Andrew before the dance.

And this is after the dance.  A dance that apparently caused a terrific hunger! So he and dad hit the local restaurant for some after-dance fare.