Jan 3

And still he stands.  I've taken down all the Christmas decorations..except for my favorite chubby snowman who stands on my Grandma's  table that stands in front of  the picture window.  This year, he reminds me of the snowman that still stands in our front yard, wearing Grandpa's hat.  That snowman holds memories of laughing children, a squealing Mommy as she ran from the snow balls pelting her....of a Grandpa in search of an old hat and some eyeballs...memories of a cold, snowy winter day warmed by family!  Winter is still young, kids...and there's lots of snow..so if you're interested...Grandpa is a master snowman builder...and Grandma is just waiting to take your picture!

Jan 2

Driving through lots of snow in Lincoln, came upon these chairs almost buried in snow.  Lincoln has had 26 inches of snow in the last 3 weeks, with more predicted this week.  That means Grandpa Joe has spent lots of time scooping that snow!  He loves to tell people that he wants to strap a snow shovel to the roof of his truck and start driving south until someone asks him what that is on his truck.  He says that's where we can live then!  Happy Jan 2nd!

Project 365

Project 365

Taking a photo day...and seeing our life in a whole new way.  Found this cool idea at a site I love to frequent, Photojojo....a photography site full of quirky and crazy ideas..and a few crafty ideas too!  Thought it might be a great way to build our 2010 scrapbook..and preserve some memories along the way.  Though we don't get to see each of you every day, check back often for updates from the home place, antics from Gus...and craziness from Grandpa and Grandma.  Here's a toast to 2010 to start it all off....sparkling grape cider in our antique wine glasses...bubbling with laughter from the Biven bunch!

Happy New Year!

Another family Christmas....a day spent with chili, cinnamon rolls, posters, video games, sweatshirts.....and football!  A snowy... lazy... nap taking... visiting kind of day that makes for perfect Christmas memories!  Topped it all off with brownies, hugs good bye...and plans for filling the winter days of 2010!   Thanks for a great day, kids!

Merry Christmas...2009!

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:

the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

 ~Burton Hillis

Spent a fantastic evening with this branch of the family...spaghetti, WII boxing, pink Zhu Zhu pets, flying Vectrons....finished it off with a Skype conversation to the East coast with Uncle Kevin and Aunt Ashley.  It was almost like having them here...watching them on the computer screen!  A Christmas to remember, indeed!

Some Assembly Required!

Snowmen fall from heaven unassembled!

There's snow place like home!

Some of my best friends are flakes?

Taking a break from cookie baking...

Grandpa provided "snow" much fun!

Laughter!

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. ~Victor Borge

On a recent visit to Colorado, Grandpa Joe and Miss K share a laugh...and his one and only chance to see his little  Princess in her   Sooners cheerleader dress! (It was snowing... or her Dad would have only let her wear it outside!)   He's taking this"not so winning season" in  stride..takes a lot of teasing about it...but  will NEVER give up hope for his Sooners.  More lessons for our grandkids from Grandpa Joe...stand by what you believe in...through thick and thin.  And know that he'll be doing that for all of you...all your lives!  We're anxious to see all of you we can over the Thanksgiving holiday.....the turkeys thawing in the fridge as I type!