Ultimate Frisbee Game: Fun with the Young 'uns or Hurray for Large Families!

While we were at the Dog-tober Fest, this is what our older children were up to.  First is a picture from the Chapel.  The rest of the pics show them spending time with  Marie and her family, plus their guests.  I've watched these kids grow up for many years; I love how well they've turned out. Decent to the core; respectful, kind, pleasant, plus very intelligent and knowledgeable.  The oldest son earned a Master's Degree while still a teen-ager, and Marie just passed the CPA exam in one attempt.  They're all homeschooled ---  imagine that! (As much as they hate the attention, I have to say "Well done, Dr Dennis & Michelle!"). To God be the glory!

     ~ Ps 127

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:  they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate  

Dogs' Day Afternoon: Dog-tober Fest

Dixie (foster dog)

♥ Oh, WoW! ♥

Cissy & Coco

Ha!

After attending Church Worship Service as a family on Sunday, we were off to Huntley for the first annual Dog-tober Fest. Our friend, Cindy,  was one of the vendors. Farrah & AJ walked her  Dachshunds, Cissy and Coco.  There were so many beautiful dogs; it was hard to choose from among our  pictures.  The large, black and white Marmaduke-looking dog was absolutely magnificent !!!  Look at those beautiful lines!  Where can I get one just like him?

Music School: Western Composers Poster/Timeline + Frederic Chopin

Playing Chopin's "Revolutionary Etude"

Chopin's Home

Here are pics from Music School (separate from music lessons at Wheaton).  It's all part of the usual routine on Saturday early A.M. -- Piano lessons for the kids at our local Music School, just a little over a mile from home. It's been going on for years and years, thank God.  The Lord has supplied through DH's job; we've managed to give all of our children Piano lessons, usually beginning at around age 7.  Any additional musical  instruments they've shown interest in have also been funded through Romy's hard work (for example, Flute for Camille, and Clarinet for AJ). The teachers are Mr and Mrs P (former Piano proteges of the Soviet world).  The waiting room is empty 'coz we're the first students in at 8:45 a.m.  I love the poster of Western Composers.  It's the inspiration of my eBay I.D. Nice artwork, eh? It's  Frederic Chopin  's childhood  home in Poland depicted as a carved work of art in Bronze(?) 

This Old House & my Chanel GST

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. ~ Psalm 86:5

We all have colds this morning, except for one.  I am glad we were able to visit my parent's lovely home yesterday afternoon.  Got to their house around 3 pm (after morning Piano lessons for Jill and Farrah at CSA, and buying lunch). Let ourselves in 'coz no one was home. Mom is still at the re-hab center, but Dad was home soon after.  Jared put up the newly-drycleaned curtains.  The big screen TV was turned on so we could watch the Cubbies lose.  Plants were brought in.  The b-day presents for Jared and AJ were picked up.  Jared got a box of multi-flavored jelly beans.  AJ will open his present on his birthday.

I find myself feeling more appreciative. We've had this house for almost 36 years.  It was our first and only house since leaving the P.I. in '69. Even our house in the Philippines was rented, so I've been told.  This is home. I like coming here. I want to take pictures of every nook and cranny; and every piece of the decor. I want to remember my growing-up years.  Most of the bad memories are gone. And, for Pete's sake, look at all those glorious, green plants!

However, there's a gnawing question in the back of my mind that has popped up more and more often --- What's going to happen to this beautiful, old house in a few years? 

Chanel Grand Shopping Tote (GST); by the light of the front window

At the dining room with me reflected in the mirror

Jill playing peek-a-boo among Mom's plants

Farrah trying-out my Neiman Marcus umbrella

My old bedroom -- now being used for storing stuff (did they once own a pet bird?!)

I gave this piece of art to my parents; they liked it enough to hang on their wall!

Purchased from, of all  places, Marshalls