E+E

Elaina and her friend, Emma. The weird thing is that they have gone to school together in three different schools in three different states.

February 27, 2006 in South Carolina


April 12, 2002 in Pennsylvania

(Emma came over today to help Elaina clean her room. That makes the second generation of friends to help out someone in our house with room cleaning. To those of you who are laughing now, thanks :-)

All Alone

You know those shows you have seen on TV or National Geographic that have the "plight of the lone person or animal or whatever's struggle"? And as you watch this incredible battle against the snowstorm/mountain/shark-riding-on-top-of-an-elephant-just-stomping-
and-biting-everything-in-sight, something isn't right? While the scene looks really compelling and the person/animal looks like they are all alone in the struggle you suddenly ask, "Isn't there someone there taking these pictures?"

A Day at the Beach

Noah's Sandy Feet

Andrew and the sand

Molly's Hat

4 Kids

A Day on River Street

Kids on a Boat Anchor

Elaina and Andrew - River Street

Andrew, Elaina, Noah and Granny

Noah and Emily

Andrew

Molly's Cat

When Noah was younger, we got a kitten. That kitten's name is Sally and to this day permits torture from Noah that no other person or cat have ever shared. As a kitten, Sally wouldn't mind being dangled from one leg while Noah examined her. As she grew, the boy would pick her up and carry her around the house in a bear hug. Never a word from the cat.
Enter baby Molly. Sally seems not to care much that she's there, but our other cat, Kisa (Russian for Kitty), flops down for her hourly tufting. Handfuls of hair fly as Molly "loves" her kitty. No scratches, no fight, no flight from the cat. So why would an animal allow systematic, repeated abuse from one human being while remaining relationally normal with all the others? I don't have a clue. But, it certainly is fun for the children...

"It was his friend, He loved it." -EHS

In memory of Christmas Tree
December, 2005 - January, 2006

The tree went out the front door to cries of, "Bring back Christmas!" from the almost 5 year old jumping up and down in distress in the front hall. It sat in the front yard and the same child sat with it, gently stroking the sharp branches. "It's OK, Christmas," he consoled. Once on the car, the tears really began to flow, "Christmas, where are you going!?"
"It's time to go away, Christmas is all done," said a voice sounding just like the boy's father.
"Ok, Christmas. I love you." replied the boy, watching his feet.
"Bye, bye, Andrew. I'll be back next year" replied the tree.
"OK. Thanks."

The Princess and the Pea

Sometimes it's good to spoil a kid.... but, 3 pillows and a pile of blankets? Looks like we are raising a princess...

Molly and Emily on Christmas Morning

Andrew saving Noah while standing high up on a wall on the fort. (they were actually a long way from the edge of the wall, but Andrew takes good care of his brother.)

Noah on a high wall at the fort.

Emily, Elaina, Noah and Andrew at Ft. Pulaski, GA

mmmmmmmmmmmmm... peas

It has long been fortold
By daft seers of old
that kids will like veggies with neigh a scold
if you start them out early on peas, ice cold

And when they are beyond control
And think they have escaped the mold
I can promise they will be so bold
As to fill your toothless mouth with peas, ice cold



And now a Haiku
about consuming the peas -
they were delicious

Children of the Revolution

Andrew got a Nativity Set for Thanksgiving

Girls with Hats

Home Alone

It's just plain weird. Wake up at 6:45. No alarm, silent house. No reason to be up. Something's not right. Take a shower, get dressed and eat. Wandering the cavernous house aimlessly. Visit the empty crib for the third time. Sit down and read for a while. Even the cats are sedate. Feed the fish and put on some boots. Get to work early. It's just plain weird...

Well, Em and the kids are in Pittsburgh for the moment, and I will join them soon. In the mean time, I am reeling from the difference between a family of 6 and living alone. There are so many great things to do when you live alone: order Pizza, spend time in recording studio, see Harry Potter at midnight. But, it's just not enough to hold my interest. Great for a moment, but not for a week, let alone a lifetime. Ah, well "It's Friday, but Sunday's a commin'!"

Molly's Baptism

Molly Elizabeth Sadd was baptised Sunday by Pastor Jay Slocum.

Saturday at the Beach

Saturday, Elaina and Noah both got burried in the sand at the beach. Mild air (80) and cool water (75) made for a wonderful time.

Noah and the Bishop

This past Sunday, Bishop Salmon (a noble and courageous leader in our war torn church) was in town to do confirmation at our church's Calhoun Street Campus. Afterwards, he joined a few of us who had the privilege of showing him around our new campus on Buckwalter Parkway. Noah spent much of the time grinning, running calmly along with the tour and listening to all of what was said. At any given moment, he was hand in hand walking with some member of our party. He was so pleased to be included as one of the grown ups and not confined to the playroom where the rest of the kids preferred to spend their time. Here is a shot of some of his time with Bishop Salmon and gives a glimpse of the joy which filled him during this strange and wonderful half-hour. That boy knows a lot more than he lets on...