Dog walking

It's been mostly very chilly out with a few nice days in between.  Robert's back and leg have been really, terribly bothersome, but he's enjoyed (I guess!) taking Kota down to the creek, and I've been going along.

Christmas Day

I've been backdating several posts here, just going by what photos I took on that day.

As has been typical for the past several years, Robert and I woke up early.  We got everything set up for the kids--long gone are the days where they would wait, excited and bleary eyed, at the back of the hallway or at the bottom of the stairs, until they had permission to enter the living room!

Robert went back to bed.  I got dressed, and although the kids said they wanted to be woken up at 9:30, no one was awake. Robert got up a little later, and the kids easily woke up at that point.  Lol.  Trevor is always the one who gets all of the presents from under the tree and passes them out.  I don't know how long he's had this job, but I don't remember a time when he didn't do it. It's tradition!

 Even Kota watched!

We quietly celebrated, just hanging out and enjoying each other's company.  (I don't remember specifics, as I'm typing this a week and a half later!)

Dinner was quite non-traditional.  Trevor and I wanted Greek, Robert and Holly put their feet down. We compromised with bbqed flank steak with horseradish/sour cream, my mom's famous Rice and Mushroom Casserole,roasted okra, roasted asparagus, and Mandarin Orange Salad.  Robert made pumpkin pie and rum cake for dessert.

It was a wonderful day, and I am ALWAYS thankful to be celebrating it with my family.

Christmas Eve

The church we've been visiting did not have a Christmas Eve service.  We don't always go, but it was kind of strange not to have the option.  We would've done it.  We're liking what we see and hear here.

Instead, we decorated cookies at home.  Robert made them earlier in the week, and I whipped up the icing tonight.

Robert and I joined in too.  Trevor made certain characters, including Walt from Breaking Bad (and Skyler, but I think he understandably killed her before I got a picture).

For dinner, I made Robert's new favorite food, Pork Green Chile.  He can't get enough of it.  He will eat it on top of Cheerios.  At least he says he will, I haven't seen him do it. Yet.  And when he's not eating about it, he's talking about it to anyone who will listen.

It really is amazing stuff.  I can't believe that these ingredients can come together into something so delicious.

Green Pork Chile

2 lbs. leftover pork roast, shredded
2 T. oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 HEAD garlic, minced (I dumped in a couple of spoonfuls of minced garlic from a jar)
6 T. flour
1 - 15 oz. can tomatoes, drained
2 c. diced green chiles, drained (I used a big can of whole green chiles, a bit more than 2 c.)
3 large tomatillos, coarsely chopped
5 c. chicken broth (or water)
1 T. cumin
2 T. chili powder
1 t. salt

Process half of the green chiles until smooth. (I forgot to do this the last time, and I couldn't tell a difference--so this step is optional.)

Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion; saute until tender but not brown.  Stir in garlic, and cook for a few more minutes.  Stir flour into onion mixture until flour is absorbed by fat.  Add broth.  Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil and is slightly thickened.  Add shredded pork, drained tomatoes, chopped tomatillos, all green chiles, and spices.  Simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking/burning on bottom of pan.

Serve in burritos, over burritos, with tortilla chips, with tortillas.  Or anything else. Including Cheerios.
 --
I adapted the above to suit our tastes.  This was the original recipe.

Festival of Trees

We visited something new (to us), wanting to appreciate Christmas lights and decorations.  The Hotel Roanoke has a popular tree decorating contest each year, with community organizations competing for votes.  Two dozen organizations are selected to present decorated trees, which the hotel displays for viewing.

We visited this hotel two years ago, celebrating Holly's 18th birthday with a dinner in their very fancy dining room.

Even the walk up from the parking lot was pretty.

The entrance is quite grand.

I snapped pictures of some of our favorites.

This one was adorable, but we found it a bit disturbing that the "Crazy Tree" was sponsored by a mental health organization.

And the very rare shot of me and Robert together!  Thank you, Billie, for being so patient, taking a dozen pics, and getting a couple that we liked!

For several months, we've been planning to go to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. We haven't been out to a sit down restaurant in over two months (Holly's last birthday).  We went to Alejandro's and had a wonderful meal.

It was a really, really enjoyable and fun night out for us.

Living Nativity

This has become traditional for us, visiting Parkway House of Prayer's  Living Nativity each year. It's a sweet and quick drive through, winding along the parking lot. At the beginning, each car is handed a CD to listen to during the drive, describing the events occurring at each station.  You are also given a bag of cookies and hot chocolate to enjoy as you slowly drive and listen.

We like watching the scenes unfold, the people dressed in Biblical clothing, and the live animals.  We thought Kota might enjoy seeing them too, haha. Rather than sticking her in her crate at home, we brought her along.  She likes car rides well enough, but I don't want to get her hair in my car.  During the drive to the church, she sat in back with Trevor and Holly, but once we got to the church, Robert invited up front for a window seat.  She's such a pretty dog, and she received a lot of comments and compliments from the participants along the way.

The whole thing lasted about ten minutes.  We enjoyed it, although I'm not sure the dog was too interested in the animals.  She was just happy to be in the car with her own people.  But she's welcome to come again next year. 

Wednesday morning

Robert and Trevor made the drive to pick up Holly yesterday while I was at work.

They got here a bit after 5, and we had a lovely evening.  Robert had packed the car well, and I don't know how Trevor had room in the back seat. 

Already full from their Chipotle lunch, we skipped the dinner plan and snacked on some of the food she brought home with her.   By 6:30, Robert said we were all back to the usual:  Holly settled into "her" spot on the couch, on her computer; me at the kitchen table on mine; and Trevor in his room, playing his latest game.  Even the animals were happy to see her, Kota glad that her pack was together, Vader coming around quite a bit, and Pumpkin meowing back every time Holly spoke to her.  Even her fish seemed to recognize her and was swimming around at the top of his tank most of the evening.  Seriously!

We settled in for tv, watching the Breaking Bad finale, and I am so happy that it came on a day that was special to us!  A fantastically well done wrap up to the series that we've watched for the past two and a half months.  Then we decompressed with Survivor--Trevor and I got Holly hooked on that over Thanksgiving, and then Holly and I happily sank into our HGTV drivel, Property Brothers via Netflix.  I went to bed and Trevor came back out to hang, and I guess I'll find out later how late they stayed up.

The sunrise this morning.  I'm off and looking forward to today!

A fantastic gift

I'm still wishing desperately that I had real time to devote to genealogy, but it makes me happy to know that I'll have something to do when both of my kids are no longer living at home.

 Just a small sampling

My (mom's brother) Uncle Jimmie sent a package today.  He was closer to several of his father's siblings than my mom or Sue. He included different packets for my grandfather, two different great aunts, and a great uncle.  The packets include a variety of random family memorabilia, including original marriage/birth/baptismal certificates, military information, death and burial papers and more. 

There are also a dozen or so correspondences between the siblings--some just brief notes in sympathy cards marking someone's passing, others are several pages, handwritten, revealing much about the relationship between the writer and recipient. Also included are dozens of photos, including some which are personal to me and never seen before: a family gathering including my mom, a photo of my great-grandmother with her two oldest children, and a photo of my Welsh great-grandfather as an older man (see the top center photo above). 

Back: Grandmother Florentine Connor Thomas, great-uncle Ellis Thomas, 

great aunts Isabel Thomas Smith and Helena Thomas FauVel. 

Front: Isabel's son Peter Thomas, my mom, my uncle Jimmie Thomas.

It was completely unexpected, and as I opened each envelope, I stood at the counter for an hour, looking though everything briefly for the first time.  I'm overwhelmed with awe and gratitude that Jimmie gave these to me. 

Tree is up!

It was done in bits and pieces but is DONE!  At Holly's request, Robert set it up before Thanksgiving, because she wanted to decorate it, but her part of it never happened.  ;)  We have four boxes of ornaments, including one for each of the kids. I put up the first two, as Trevor was going to hang his with me while I hung Holly's.  That changed at the last minute when he ended up spending the night at Kurt's, so I did both of their boxes too, leaving just a few choice ones out for Trevor to hang.  Robert finished off with just a bit of tinsel.  I love hanging up those ornaments each year, remembering from where/who they came--even if my memory is a bit blurred on some of them.

Don't try this at home

Another spectacular sunrise on my way to work this morning.  If I would leave just THREE minutes earlier, I would be able to find a fantastic vantage point, stop and take real photos.  Snapping randomly from my phone while paying attention to driving just doesn't work at all.

Old reliable

My mom and Mike bought me this little food processor literally decades ago, 1988? 89? 91?

I use it several times a month. It's great for chopping up cranberries, canned artichoke hearts, garbanzo beans, corn flakes and more. I use it to make mayonnaise. It has a little grater attachment that I mostly use for carrots (carrot cake!) and cheese.

It's small (compared to other processors) and doesn't have a lot of useless attachments, so it's easy to store.  It has just a couple of parts, and all of those are simple to toss into the dishwasher.

And every time I pull it out, I think about how much use I've gotten out of this gift, and how long it's lasted.  I am pretty sure that I could never find a similar replacement.  And honestly, I'm terribly impressed that any small household appliance has lasted this long. They aren't made to last anymore.

Because they are cats

Holly brought her fish home at Thanksgiving, and she'll take it back with her in January. 

The cats, naturally, are fascinated by it.

Book Reviews

God's Story, Your Story: When His Becomes Yours by Max Lucado

Typical, easy to read and encouraging Lucado. Comfort food.


Waking Up in Heaven: A True Story of Brokenness, Heaven, and Life Again by Crystal McVea

A pretty good story, mostly about Crystal's life before finding Jesus, and how her life changed after visiting heaven when she died in a hospital.

The Mark of a Christian by Emlen S. ("Charlie") Garrett

Judy first "introduced" me to Charlie several years ago, and I've followed this pastor for several years on Facebook ever since.  When I found that he'd written a book awhile back, I bought it.  It was a very encouraging read, with each chapter addressing a topic often misunderstood/misinterpreted in today's church.  I loved that I could hear Charlie's voice in his writings.

Charlie is one of the most gifted teachers I've ever heard.  You can follow his daily devotional here.  He teaches one verse per day, going through an entire book of the Bible.

Judy and I say that one of these days, we'll drive down to Florida and visit Charlie.  It wouldn't surprise me at all!

Scrooge

Trevor and I went to see the play Scrooge.  It's put on by a local church, which has been doing it for 10+ years.  It's held in the performing arts center downtown, four shows during the first weekend of December. The facility seats over 2,000 and was filled to capacity on the night we were there. 

It was incredible. We've been to the church a few times, and I can't believe a church this size could put on an incredible production like this.  The stage sets took my breath away; the acting, singing, and choreography were professional quality.  Even when the sound glitched for 30 seconds, the actors continued like nothing was wrong.
 

I was thinking, oh, it's just a nice little church play, it will be over in an hour.  It went for two hours! I rushed home and made homemade tomato soup--nothing at all, thankfully, like any yuck from a can. I've made it before, but I don't know if anyone else ate it. Trevor and Robert both thought it was wonderful (but of course by that time, they were starving).

TOMATO BASIL PARMESAN SOUP


1 c. finely diced carrots
1 c. finely diced onion
1 c. finely diced celery
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper 1 tsp. dried or 1 T. fresh oregano
1 T. dried or 1/4 c. fresh basil
2 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained
4 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour

1 c. parmesan cheese
12 oz. can evaporated milk (I use non-fat--can also sub in 1/2 and 1/2)

 Heat about 1 T. of oil in large pot to medium high. When hot, add in carrots, onion, and celery, and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Add in crushed oregano and basil, tomatoes, and half of chicken broth.  If you'd like your vegetables smaller, take out a cup or two at a time, process in food processor, and return to pot.  (Be careful you don't burn yourself!) Heat to boil, reduce heat and simmer. 

Prepare roux by melting butter and then whisking in flour.  Continue to cook to let roux brown a bit.  Add in remaining chicken broth, slowly adding in 1/4 to 1/2 c. each time, whisking well before adding more broth.  Slowly whisk this sauce into the rest of the soup.

Stir in the parmesan cheese and the evaporated milk.  Heat very gently on low until warmed through (you don't want to curdle the milk).


Original recipe, including crockpot directions, here.

Some cool stuff

I love that Holly goes to school in DC because of the unique opportunities the location affords.  Laurie Robinson is one of Holly's profs this year (this semester and next).  She's been the U.S. Assistant Attorney General--twice.  Earlier this week, the President appointed Robinson co-chair of the new Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Another Honors professor is physicist James Trefil, author of 30 books and known for his teaching of science to non-scientists. 

Tonight, Holly attended a lecture for extra credit in her criminology class. Michael Hayden was the guest speaker. He was the Director of the NSA (1999-2005) and the Director of the CIA (2006-2009).

There have been almost a dozen class speakers this semester, including lobbyist Jim Morhard, with his incredible personal story; B. Todd Jones, Director of ATF; and Jim Burch and Geoffrey Laredo, both of whom hold high profile positions in public offices.

It just thrills me, and I'm noting this so they aren't forgotten by me down the road. :)

Holly's Chinese assignment

End of Thanksgiving week

We packed up the cooler with food for the next two weeks: French onion soup, buffalo chicken, Husband Delight, Chicken Stuffing Bake, pizza, chicken tenders, lettuce, cheese, salami, fruit--and some yummy treats, candy, jello, coffee creamer, egg nog, soda. (I forgot to get the chocolate chip pancakes Robert had made for her. :(  )

I was a little concerned about so much driving on the busiest travel day of the year. The morning drive up was a breeze, gorgeous out, traffic was good with noticeably fewer trucks.

When we got to school, we unpacked the car and put things together back at her room, then grabbed Indian food on campus.  Parking is a constant juggle.  5 Minute Unloading Zone, 30 Minute Free Parking, $3 per hour in the parking garage, and the two more 30 minute parking spots at different areas.  It's crazy, it's expensive, and I'm paranoid now about another parking ticket.

We went back to Holly's room, and she strung Christmas lights up all around her room.  They looked great, and we had the perfect amount of lights!  Luckily, there was a small step ladder out in the living room, which made hanging some of the hooks possible.

While Holly maneuvered the lights around her room, I decorated her table top Christmas tree with the balls, owls, and snowmen she picked out. It's a fiber optic tree that changes color--so cute!

We went back to rescue the car, stopping at Starbucks on the way back.  We hung out in the bright and comfy but always empty lobby before I left.
 

Oh, the drive home was far different than the drive there!  Leaving DC Metro area was (surprisingly) a breeze.  Traffic backed up for a mile waiting to get on I-81 southbound.  Once on I-81, it took 30 minutes to go 6 miles.  Over the next 150 miles, there was a lotta, lotta stop and go, two small fender benders, and that part of the trip took four hours.  It was almost a party at times. Window rolled down (hey, it was warm outside), turning on the light to find my snacks, hanging out and waiting for traffic to move yet again. Talked to Robert a few times, but it was good, no awful wrecks.  We were both wondering when she went back last year though!

Two more weeks for Holly, a couple of presentations and papers, then three finals, and then HOME for five weeks over Christmas!

So thankful

Kids both home for Thanksgiving. I don't take that lightly, as I know that won't always be the case.

A relaxing day, watching some tv, fixing food, sitting by a fire.

Dinner.

Jello pretzel salad, gravy, spinach Madeline, 

mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, turkey, cranberry nut bread

Our little family.

So blessed.

First SNOW of the season

Waaaaaay too early!  It began snowing before dawn, and by the time I left for work, we had an inch on the ground. It was a big, fat, wet snow, just like spring (which can't come too soon for me!).  It was only slushy rain from the interstate to the rest of the way to work.

I came home at noon to several inches.

Trevor had plans back in town with a friend, so I grabbed him and headed back out.  Still just wet in town.  After dropping him off at the movies, I ended up hanging out with his friend's mom, grocery shopping together, and she then treated me to coffee.

Back at home, we had Pizza Hut for dinner, and I hung out with the kids and watched tv.  Lovely Thanksgiving Eve, low key, low stress.

Getting ready!

Holly said she wants to decorate the tree when she's home for Thanksgiving.  We're ready!!  (Wow, the tree looks awfully naked!)

This is the first time she's been home since she left three months ago. Although I've been up to see her several times, I am SO EXCITED that she's coming home!!!

Pulling out SCRABBLE

I love playing games with Trevor (well, with either of my kids). The biggest problem is that I forget about the games unless they are sitting out where I can see them. 

Although I hate to lose, I am very proud of him when he beats me--which is most of the time. 

It doesn't get any closer than this. He won, 255 - 254.

Trevor

He has always been a comedian. Even when he was little, his jokes were sophisticated. He sometimes had not-so-funny ones, but for the most part, he's never been afraid to show that side of his personality.  As he's gotten older, his comments will be dry and very matter-of-fact, and it's easy to miss his quips if you're not paying attention.

Recently, Trevor and I discussed briefly--because he's 16, right?--a friend who was torn between a previous commitment with Trevor and an invitation the friend had received from a girl.

Trevor lamented, "Whatever happened to brethren before wenches?"

He may be playing too many medieval video games.

Quick rundown of the week

A usual week, work and school.  I was coming down with a cold on Thursday, started sucking zinc cold meds, and was back to good on Saturday night.  I never came down with it full force, and it never got worse than the first day with a sore throat.  This is consistently my results with the zinc meds--they make  EVERY difference!

Nothing super spectacular, although there was this sunrise today.

On Friday night and Saturday, I fixed another couple of weeks' worth of meals for Holly: Greek Lemon Soup, beef in bbq sauce, rotisserie-style chicken, lemon pasta, brown butter rice, chicken and swiss casserole.  I also sent along a bunch of chopped up lettuce, an avocado, and pomegranate seeds, all ready to eat, plus a frozen Sam's pizza, and the chile rellanos Robert made earlier in the week.

It was Kurt's birthday party, so we all spent the evening over at his house.  Early on, eating and playing games before the last few people arrived.

Most parents didn't stay, but we were invited to (!!).  The men stayed in the kitchen, and us four moms stayed in the living room.  I had a hilarious time with Amy. 

Just got this pic from Judy. Surprised at how ghastly I look, thanks to a recent horrible haircut. I need to get that fixed asap.

Robert and I left after the cake, and Trevor spent the night.

Robert just left this morning to take stuff up to Holly. I am glad he's going, glad he feels good enough to go (just getting over a sinus infection). It's gorgeous out, and while he got what would be a late start for me, he's not as set about getting home around dark as I am.

The whole morning to myself at home . . . I hope I don't waste all of it!

Bonfire Weekend

On Saturday night, I took Kurt and Trevor to a "homeschoolers' bonfire.".  LOL.  It was an open invitation for any homeschooled teen to come. We didn't know the hosts but we have several mutual friends in common and were passed along an invitation.  We later found out that the family had coached our 6-8 soccer team several years ago, and even though it was at the same time Robert was coaching 13+, we don't remember them.

Kurt's parents are out of town, so we went down to pick him up and then drove back up to Fincastle for the bonfire.  It was definitely the coldest night of fall so far, and I was worried about that, but it turned out to be perfect weather to hang out by a hot fire.

There were about 60 people there, spread out in a couple of different areas.  While I was worried that there would be swarms of 13 year old girls and just my two bored, shell shocked 16 year old boys, I didn't need to fret.  They were approached immediately by one friend who exclaimed, "You're late!!" Another friend found them, and the four of them hung out until they were joined by a couple of girls.  There was another similarly sized group of older boys too, but we didn't know who they were. 

We stayed mostly by the bonfire. Others, including many of the younger kids, stayed near the human foosball court.  A group of parents hung out by the snack and s'mores table.  I found an old friend from the library who I knew would be there, and we chatted and caught up all night.  Facebook's got nothin' on face to face.

We had a nice time, not thrilling beyond all imagination, but it was fun to do something a little different, and I imagine we'd go again next year.

On Sunday, we picked Kurt up again and brought him to our house.  The boys get together every Sunday afternoon to study for the Logic class and work on homework together.  Kurt's mom's goal was to give them a taste of what they can do in college, meet up with a classmate, bounce ideas off of each other and work together.  Instead of being in Trev's room like usual, they sat out at the kitchen table.  Wow!!  It was everything we could have hoped for--listening to them read the questions, discuss answers, reviewing talk out the answers, debate possibilities, and settle on an answer. It doesn't have to be the same answer, as long as they can justify their position.

Kurt stayed for dinner, and at Trevor's request, I made green chile chicken (I've only made it for Holly really so far), a fantastic black beans recipe, Chipotle-style rice, and pico.  We finally broke out the other half of Holly's ice cream birthday cake for dessert, and the guys all thought I was the best mom (or wife, in Robert's case) EVER.  :)  I'm pretty good with that.

BOO!!!

So I guess this is the 8th anniversary for my blog. Wow.  There are not many things I've been super consistent about, including posting.  But I am SO very glad that I've kept this up, posting about the hundreds of small things we've done, a few of the milestones, and the pictures.   Some things haven't been posted, lost in a time crunch, or along with photos that I never got to.  And some of the posts have my skewed or wishful perspective.  But that's okay.  It's all been good, and it is SO cool to have done this.  It makes me happy to see how it has worked out. (Nope, not a "this is the end"of it either, just me commenting!"

Again, no trick or treaters for Halloween.  After having not one single person last year, I can't say that I was surprised.  We now have a good dozen kids on our street.  I don't know where they go.  It started raining lightly last night around 6:30, so I hope they went someplace dry.  Any less than perfect Halloween weather reminds us of when the kids were little, the snowy, cold, icy trick or treating.  We always made the best of it, and those were usually the more memorable Halloweens!

Robert came up with this.

I'm not sure what was underneath the black drape, but the whole thing stood about 5 feet tall.  He carved this face into the pumpkin, which looked pretty cool when lit up through the mask.  Gosh, those white pumpkins are pretty and unusual!

 Trevor tried a couple of very detailed, intricate carvings, which didn't turn out.  He's used to easily turning out masterpieces.  I took a stab (HAHAHA!) at the other side of the pumpkin and came up with this.  I was pretty pleased with how it went.  There was a big hole in the back of the pumpkin, so Robert covered it with foil. But in the candlelight, you couldn't tell.  It just looked more fiery.

I brought sushi home for Trevor for dinner, we all hung out while it rained outside, and watched tv. We'd pretty much eaten all the candy that we'd bought, so that probably all worked out for the best anyway!

Missing Lucky

(I haven't posted yet about losing our sweet dog Lucky, but when I do, I'll back date it.)

Lucky has an old dog friend that comes by occasionally.  They have been a perfect pair, our half-deaf old dog, and this lumbering, graying Golden who lives a few doors down, two geriatrics who enjoy each other's gentle company.

Several months ago, Lucky got in the awful habit of barking, just once, every few minutes when he was outside.  For the longest time, I thought it was because he was ready to come in.  More recently, I realized he would bark with his back to the door, facing the yard.  He was barking, looking for his friend.


The day after we put Lucky down, his friend came looking for him. 

He wandered around this section of the yard and where Lucky used to hang.  He gave his deep, raspy bark a few times, just like Lucky used to give.  After five or ten minutes, he headed off back towards his own house.

It about broke my heart, not so much because he was looking for my dog, but because I wished Lucky had lived longer than this guy.

Fall

Gorgeous day yesterday, upper 70s, the last breath of summer.  Robert and I took Kota for a walk at sunset.

The sun had already set behind this hill, and this was the best I could do with my camera.

Probably the last night we'll have several windows open in the house. 

Goodbye, summer!  I loved you and can't wait to see you again!!!

This happy guy . . .

offered to ride to the grocer store with me the other day.

I love the cutoff Batman pj pants

He wasn't really mad, it's just a look he's practiced after watching Sawyer on Lost for many months.

But he's getting awfully good at it.

Throw Back Thursday -- Family Photos

Incredible photos sent to me by my Aunt Sue.

My mom's mother's parents, Bernard Connor (1878-1928) and Rose Droppelmann Connor (1881-1960). They don't look very old in this photo. A friend pointed out that this photo must have cost them quite a bit of money back in that time.  Isn't it amazing how their faces are lit up by the fire?

My mom's father's parents, Helena Gaelick Thomas (Elena Gallich) and William Henry Thomas, with their two oldest children, Helen and Bill.  I have a book written by two sister of my great-grandmother Elena Gallich, detailing their travels between Ukraine and Canada.  She met Bill in Calgary, and they moved to Seattle, where he became a street car conductor. She's stunning. The only other photo I have of her was as a child in a family photo.   

Helen and William went on to have more children, including Ellis.   I wrote about Ellis last month here.

I am thrilled beyond words at the gift of these photos!!