All I Want for Christmas is... EVERYTHING IN THE WHOLE STORE

We took a tour of Michael's and Toys R Us to get a feel for what the kids were wanting for Christmas. Not sure how helpful this was. Seeing how much fun they have playing with the milk cartons out of the recycling bin, as well as all the witty art they did on a large cardboard box recently, maybe we'll just let them play at the local recycling center for a few hours.

Seriously, though, we do have a list we're putting together. Clearly, they NEED nothing. Josephine helped me put together some hygiene kits for the inmates of our local women's prison, so the more we can think about giving to others - maybe clearing out some old toys? - the better.

Though donating second-hand toys can be problematic. Esp. after the local homeless shelter refused free sandwiches from a nice restaurant in town because the shelter ONLY takes organic, locally-sourced food.

!!!

Halloween 2014

After-Church Brunch

Sam Plays With My Phone

Sam Walks Like Yoda & More

Quotes of the Week:

Jo: "I am NOT a child! I am a highly dignified girl."

Sam to Jo, who interrupted his story: "What is so important that you just interrupted me? huh? What is it? What's so important? Tell me! It's got to be important if you interrupted my story. Right?"

Wonder Woman is Nine!!

Hard to believe tomorrow she is NINE!!

She told me the other day that when she grows up she wants to live in the forest in a tree house. It reminded me of how she has loved trees since she could talk. It's lovely to watch what stays, what changes!

Talents

We asked Josephine last night, Why, why don't you want to take dance class? You're SO talented! Why not??!!!

She sat up straight and told us point-blank, no hesitation: "The reason I don't want to take dance is because I want to dance how I want to dance and I don't want to be corrected, EVER."

Well, then!