Jake and Emily's 27th Birthday!

This year, Jake and Emily picked the Old Spaghetti Factory for their birthday celebration, a very good choice and which has nothing to do with the fact that Mizithra Browned Butter Spaghetti is dee-lish! :)

HAPPY 27TH BIRTHDAY Jake and Emily!!!

Happy Holidays 2012

Emily's pre-birthday celebration

...Emily and friends at Bossanova in Alton.

Historic St. Charles

Every year Mark and I look forward to visiting St. Charles at Christmastime. Strolling along Main Street with its sparkling lights, decorated storefronts, and street characters straight out of Charles Dickens Christmas Carol never fails to bring the Christmas spirit to life. It's a fun night for young and old alike and hopefully a tradition we'll enjoy again and again!

 

O christmas tree

an angel from heaven

there's a dog under there

sweet winnie

This boy loves to throw rocks

and oh how we love this boy!

sunsets, dogs, and Mark

a few of my favorite things :)

Boys will be boys

he's so handsome ;-)

ditto

One more slideshow

It's been a little over a month since Jake and Danielle became husband and wife. I'll never forget the tender feeling of seeing my son stand at the front of the church with his son in his arms, proudly waiting for his lovely bride to walk down the aisle. Here, made up of pictures taken by the wedding photographer, is one more slideshow of their simply beautiful wedding.

time with Jude

I love time with my grandson. I love watching him learn and grow and take in the world around him. I love the way his silly little smile never fails to melt my heart. I used to think there could be nothing as strong as the love a parent has for a child. Then I had a grandchild. I am so blessed to have Jude in my life.

the beginning of a great Friday afternoon

a little time for art

click here to see "the Artist" at work:

http://gottalovejude.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-artist.html

off to the park

Jude, looking way cool in grandma's sunglasses

come on grandma!

Halloween

Halloween is a lot more fun when you have a grandson to share it with.

my pumpkin

and he's off!

kayvon

kiyan

jude