the OTHER mother

Happy New Year from Pearl

We Meet Barak at Washington National (Not Really)

Day Trip to DC

  These photos were taken outside the Hirshhorn

And the Thirsty Horse

The Fort

The Watch Dog

A Merry Christmas to All Y'all

Happy Holidays from Carrie

Happy Chanukah, from Texas with Love

Grrrlville: Impossible

Happy Holidays to you!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Marcia can find a

nice way of saying anything.  This morning, for example, she said to me, "I like the pictures you've been posting on the blog. Maybe you would like to add some words to go with them?" That's how she gives me a kick in the you-know-what.  Kindness is always appreciated in Grrrlville.

I know I haven't been writing much, but it's not because I have nothing to say. Rather, it seems I have too much to say. So I say nothing. Nada.  Zippo. Depression is a part of this. But writing words, I will try.  Here goes.

• Two weeks or so after my cousin died, his mother (my aunt) died. She was my dad's only living sibling.  It's hard to believe that they are both gone.
• My mom has had double pneumonia, but she is recuperating well.  She has amazing super strength!
• I've been working on several projects for the holidays.  I enjoy making things.
• As I mentioned previously, we've been investing kindergartens for Pearl.  I'm sure the amount of time and effort spent was overkill, but we made a decision, turned in our application (early!), and feel good about it. Now it's just a question of whether we get in!
• I've been reading mysteries and doing word games, mostly on facebook.
• Did I tell you about the Chanukah presentation at preschool?  This year Pearl said she was indeed "Jewelish."  Carrie said: "Look, Baba! I get to sit by Jacob!"

I'm going to try to make myself write more this month.  Once I get going, I do enjoy it.  Hope your holidays are gearing up in a way that is not too stressful and mostly merry.  Robin

We Have Some Fog, Houston

Here's Carrie's question of the day: What does fog taste like?

Art Partners

Our local LGBT family group held an art party over the weekend. All four of us painted ceramics at Young at Art on 19th Street. We can't wait to see how they look after being fired in the kiln.

24 Hour Stomach Bug Yields Whopping 24 Loads of Laundry

Some weekends are like that, but O what a Saturday night we had. Poor Pearl. Poor Grrrlville!

Question of the Day: Make a Wish

"Wishful"
Originally uploaded by jessilynn

Tell us what you really want for Chanukah/Christmas/Kwaanza.

Remember Cosmo?

Cosmo and Carrie were born a day apart in the same hospital.  They used to look a lot alike.

Cosmo and family moved to Indiana, but this week they're back visiting Houston.  Here's a photo from a play date yesterday. As usual, Carrie appears to be IN CONTROL.

A Letter to Alex

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You may remember that almost a year ago Pearl's best friend Alex moved to London.  Alex always liked watching the slide shows of our family, even though his appearance was limited.  For the holidays, Pearl and I made a slide show just for him.

Just Visiting

This week Marcia and I are visiting kindergartens. Yes, it's true; Pearl will start kindergarten next fall.  Here's a snapshot from a kindergarten classroom I observed yesterday.  Despite Prop 8 and other examples of hate legislation, there are still reasons for us to be hopeful. 

Hot Off the Easel

Carrie's work

Question of the Day: Stress!

Here's a question to nudge you right where it hurts!  What do you find most stressful this time of year?

This question is borrowed (with slight alterations) from Manic Monday.

Grrrlville Does Chicago

No, it did not snow in Houston this week, but it did elsewhere.  I've posted some pictures from our trip to Chicago right here.

Carrie's New Camera

Carrie got a toy camera for her birthday, and both she and Pearl have had fun taking pictures with it.  If you ever liked those grainy polaroids (remember them?) then you might enjoy these too.

I think this last one is my favorite.

It Snowed!

Pearl's Sense of Snow