The Von Lareau Family Singers

I am just so pleased to be able to share this with you. Wow.

Walt and Mer

This year's attempt at the annual Christmas program Walt and Mer picture.

If there's one thing I've discovered through parenting, it's that gender differences are much more nature than nurture -- and I hadn't really expected that. I had always suspected that girls played with dolls and boys played with trucks because that's what they were given. And while that's certainly true to some extent, it cannot be denied that Meredith would weave accessories from dryer lint and broken twigs, if necessary, and Walt would invent Transformers if they weren't already a multi-million dollar industry. So. As they get older they have a little less in common, and that's natural. But it's good to know that sometimes, when no one is watching, they still have a truly fabulous time together.

Laughing hysterically on the top bunk.

9 Months is Almost a Year and the Red Overalls are Too Short

Madeline was 9 months old yesterday. She's big. I'm really glad that most clothing lines still describe her as a "baby."

Meredith visited her probable elementary school today, and her red overalls are really too short.

How is a parent supposed to put up with all of this growing?

Just for Fun: Food

If you haven't noticed, my favorite lens doesn't autofocus. So be it. I will attempt to be a real photographer, and MAKE it focus. Right. Not so much.

But just for fun, here are some pics of the food we ate. Because that's mostly what we do.


I was a little vain about my yorkshire puddings. They were so puffy!

This was a very fancy caramel cake. There were approximately 72 steps. It taxed any holiday brain power my mom and I had. (Limited).

Brussels sprouts on the stalk. There is no reason to purchase them on the stalk, other than the fact that they look cool, and the obnoxious girl with the camera can take their picture.

When the rain and the freezing temps force you inside, you have no choice but to eat and exercise.

Super Girl

Mer ran into the kitchen: "I'm Super Girl!"
I responded with enthusiasm: "Woo hoo! Super Girl!"
She replied with disdain: "Mommy, I'm really just your daughter."
And walked away.