Something brewing on Halloween

The angel and the princess have no idea what's brewing in the gloomy Elmo next to them. 

Elmo is not a happy camper...

He's gone mad!

"It's ok Mommy, I'll cooperate. You can dress me up." My sweet little Chinese girl.

The Elmo Saga to be continued...

Jack-o-lantern

Teresa drew the eyes and nose, and Frankie took on the mouth. David supervised like a champ.

Ta da!

He's just happy.

....and this is what happens when poor ol' Jack is left alone with girls.

Frankie the theologian

This is a conversation between Frankie and Teresa that overhear every couple weeks or so. It varies in detail, but the essence is usually the same. I always wish I had a pen and paper. This time I did. While coloring:

Teresa: "Frankie, I like the angels and the saints and..."
Frankie interrupting: "I like everyone in the world. Except the devil."
Teresa: "Everyone in the world except the devil, and exceeeept...."
Frankie: "Oh, I like him."
Teresa: "The evil king in Syria??"
Frankie: "Yeah, I like him. You're supposed the like people who are bad, right Mom?" (me: that's right...)
Frankie: "Mom, I'm going to offer my birthday to God. I give my birthday to God, and God gives my birthday that I gave to Him to other people who are poor. Get it?"
Teresa: "Can I give my birthday too?"
Frankie: "Yeah, you can. You don't have to, but you can."

There's frequently a soliloquy by Frankie about what Heaven and Hell are like, and how much she loves the angels and saints. Teresa is always listening with rapt attention, asking questions. Perhaps teaching is in Frankie's future, as she seems quite comfortable instructing the ignorant.

Steppin' out with my baby

Last night we went to a "Sweet Home Virginia Gala" with a very nice couple. It was a black-tie event, and Dave looked quite dashing. Aside from being served dinner at 9:30pm (a little late for us), it was a pleasant night of auctions, hors d'oeuvres, and getting to know the couple who hosted us. Thanks, Aunt Natalie, for babysitting the littles and snapping these shots!

Lumpia and miscellanea

Getting ready to roll.

These little quarter-filipino girls are making lumpia with their southern Grandmommy.  Their filipino Lola always makes cinnamon rolls with them. Ironic, no?

"Pum-nin!"

Enjoying some welcome fall weather

Beautiful day in Markham, Va. for apple picking

No bad place for a snuggle...

3 little monkeys!

Moving up in the world

 David moved from a splint to a cast a couple days ago, and he chose green. Bright green. Our little Irish guy. We all signed it this morning.

Bye!