David the Gnome....An Old Favorite......

Melissa's recent post on her favorite childhood TV shows, naturally lead to a quick search on YouTube for one of Christopher's favorite shows, David the Gnome.

Playing the opening song this morning brought back lots of wonderful memories of sitting with my little guy, watching the adventures of David and his wife Lisa, and singing the happy theme song together.

Enjoy.....and feel free to sing along......

Update - Photos From Tess

Tess has added more photographs to her site. Have a look....Photography By Tess.

Photos From Tess and Mollie

Taken by Tess on Wednesday....




And one taken of Tess by Mollie....

A Few More Easter Photos - From Tess' Camera

Puppeteers Mollie & Tess at the Library!

Recently, the Kids World staff from our library called Mollie and Tess for help with their annual Pajama Story Time program. They had worked as puppeteers for this program last year, and were happy to be asked back again. Both they, and the little ones attending, seem to be having a ball!







Karma says that when you do good, good comes back to you. Once again, Karma worked. The girls volunteering for this program led to meeting a new fellow homeschooling friend. A nice unexpected perk.

I'm Not Scared Either.....

The Day After Easter....Full of Candy, Dinner & Love

Happy Easter ....From 2002 & Today....

This picture is one Mollie drew, on her computer, for Easter 2002. She was then 10 years old. Today, at 16, she tidied up her old drawing a little, added text, background and her own special touch. Thank you my love.



Happy Easter to those I love, now and forever.

Small Potatoes Concert at the Library

I love when I come across new musical artists who speak not only to my ear and tapping toes, but to my heart as well. Small Potatoes is such a group.

Bill, Robin and I were lucky enough to hear this incredible duo at the Arlington Heights Library this past Sunday. We have been attending performances there for the past twenty years or so and all have been praise worthy. Small Potatoes was the best of the best....AHML choose a winner this time to be sure.



Many thanks to Robin, who alerted us to this concert. Robin has long known Jacquie Manning, since her days playing the Renaissance Fairs. She spoke of Jacquie's voice as lovely....an understatement to be sure. Jacquie and Rich Prezioso are not only skilled musicians, but talented storytellers as well.

I have been listening to their music each day since. Their song Time Flies will be with me always. Thanks Robin for bringing us to the concert and to their wonderful music.

I Know, I Know...I Want to Get Out Too....

Responding to my girls, yes, we have been housebound, for what seems to be years, this winter. Once again it is snowing today....just when we falsely thought all of the old snow had melted away. And yes, looking back at the warmer months I too am taken with how many places we went together, and the myriad of things we did. This will happen again...soon I hope.

This winter has been filled with lots of music lessons....both given and taken, rehearsals for upcoming concerts, computer and Internet time, etc.....not to mention the construction of a soon to preview new blog, Baking Gals. So do not despair my girls, we are keeping busy...just not as active as we always are in the glow of warm and enervating weather.

Happy Birthday Mister Rogers - We Love You

Don't forget to wear your sweater today in memory of our dear friend.

How very lucky we were to know him.....


This is the one that made me cry.....

Happy St. Patricks's Day

Long ago, while I was attending Our Lady of the Rosary grade school, I believed that this day celebrated me.

The nuns told Patricia O'Brien and myself (the other Patrica sharing this day) that this was our feast day, therefore much more important than our birthdays.

Ultimately untrue, yet lovely to feel special each year at this time.

Happy Birthday Albert!!!!!

Today marks Albert Einstein's 129th birthday.
Read about this fascinating man here: Einstein
This is my favorite photo of Albert, a copy of which hangs in my office.

OK GO Want You to Register and Vote

"Amor Vincit Omnia" - AHCCB Concert

On Sunday, Tess, Mollie and Robin performed together in "Love Conquers All", an afternoon concert presented by the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band.

As always, the band was wonderful. Here then, are a few photos of the day...

The girls before the concert....


Tess awaiting her cue....


Mollie looking happily ready to play....


Robin's very first concert with the band....


Our conductor, Adam. This is a man who clearly enjoys what he is doing.....


Lastly, a few post-concert photos....Tess with her ever-present camera...


Luckily, Melissa was free to join us....


Robin and Will wrapping it up......


The next concert is on May 5th. I can't wait.

Girl's Day in Japan....Our First Celebration!

Monday, March 3rd was Japan's annual Girl's Day celebration. We have know about this special day for some time now via multiple viewings of the Food Networks "Iron Chef" program.

This year, the girls were able to experience this celebration first hand. Their fellow Arlington Heights Community Concert Band member, percussionist Taka, gifted Mollie and Tess with this a confectionery which is made only during the Girl's Day time of the year.



Thank you Taka for your thoughtfulness and for a very unique and delicious treat!

My Lovely Daughters.....

The girls performed in a concert on Sunday with the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band, with Tess on flute and Mollie on harp. More about that later.

They each snapped a beautiful portrait of the other right before we left for the concert. I think they are wonderful.

Tess photographed by Mollie......


And Mollie photographed by Tess.....


.....just lovely.....