The Dollhouse Saga Continues

Blue Wave

2012-01-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

For a friend who is too ill to do her annual Blue Wave pictures

Emme and the kids visit Basil at work.

Marley, Riley and Ellery

Contractor Fred and his latest girlfriend, Rose

Alex, Grandma Effie with Max & Martin, Trent and Mowgli

Grandma Endora, Santa with Elfbaby Sally Rose, Sweetheart and Scotty

Tyler, Baby, Rowan and Pete

Marybeth, Dr. Elissa, Daniel Jim and Matt

Sigh......Janiedear and Lee didn't get the memo about Blue Wave Pictures

Russell, Jada, Jessamyn and Esme

DeeAnna with her babies, Sam and Callie

A Very Angry Hortencia with an unhappy Pirate

Chapter 25 As The Dollhouse Spins

2009-07-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Lee and Janiedear are in Texas relaxing at Lee's ranch. Janiedear is doing her best to look like a fragile southern belle

Pete and Tyler are in Tennessee for Pete's family's reunion. They've found a little playground for Rowan and Baby to enjoy. Rex, though, is impatiently wanting to find a skateboard park.

Russell and Esme are flying to Disneyworld. Esme isn't sure Jada and Jessamyn are old enough to really enjoy the park, but Russell has a long, long list of rides he wants to take.

Out at the cottage, Elissa and Matt are getting acquainted with Hortencia's new beau. Matt tries to be forward thinking, but in his opinion, eyeliner on men is just plain wrong. He's not so sure about hair beads, either.

Daniel Jim is playing in the shallows, keeping an eye on the whopper
that swam in near the shore.

Out on the boat, the little pipsqueak keeps launching herself over the side. She's having a grand time floating on top of the waves. Sweetheart is getting exasperated with Sally Rose. Then Sweetheart looks back at the shore and sees Santa's nephew, Sam. That's another cause for concern. If Scotty grows as big as Sam--how will they feed him?!?

Sam works out at the North Pole Gym every day.

(He's trying to impress Sweetheart's young cousin Cindy.)

Meanwhile, Alex Is Back To Work At Her Stress-filled Job As Municipal Planner

"Jadde, could you type a short note to the builders' association, outlining the new zoning changes for single family dwellings?"

"Then could you pull the proposal for the new park slash playground?"

"Before lunch we should take a look at the quarterly budget."

"Have the perk tests and preliminary surveys came in on that new shopping center?"

"Where are your shoes? Do you have the memo ready to send the city commission? Were you able to find a double stroller in town? What time are you leaving for your dinner date this evening?"

Alex has so much work and so little time.

"Just a moment Jadde, I need to take a call." Alex excuses herself.

Over At Basil's Office

"We've got to have more space. In the thirteen months since we were married, we've gone from a couple to a family of five with a dog. Who would have thought Alex would become so maternal?" Trent rambled.

"We dozed off last night and when I woke at three, Mowgli, the dog, Max and Martin were in bed with us. Who knows how the dog got Alex' headset on it's head."

"By the time I got the boys in their beds, the dog out for a walk and Alex under the covers, it was time to get up."

"We want closets. We want bedrooms. We want a kitchen. A living room. A family room. A nice mother-in-law apartment for Grandma Effie. And a garage where I can go out and hide."

Alex wants five bedrooms and three bathrooms. She wants the laundry room near the bedroom area. She wants an office for each of us. She wants a heat pump system for heating and cooling. She wants lots of windows. She wants a ranch house with twelve inch thick walls. Alex wants to build green. Alex wants all of this for $50,000!!!"

Trent was talking faster and faster.

"Fred, do you know of any five acre wooded parcels?" Trent asked the contractor. "I'd like to eventually be able to have a three car garage and a swimming pool."

"Ahhh Trent, sit down bud. We can start pulling house plans that are close to Alex' requests and we'll pin down a style, so we can draw up a design for Alex."

"Fred will check with his cousin, the realtor, about five acre parcels." Basil spoke very calmly. "Alex will be pleased."

"Basil dear, we're on the way to drop Silly Old Hound dog at the vet's, then Marley is going to her friend Jessica's for the day. Riley and Ellery have to be at daycare by 10. Then I need to get to work. Yesterday we took on a new client with a twelve room cottage." Emme sighed. "She wants an English Rose Garden theme."

"Are those plans for Trent and Alex?"

"Yes darlin'." Basil murmured.

Chapter 24 The Girls Give Alex A Baby Shower

2009-04-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

The girls planned a surprise showere for Alex. Grandma Effie, Alex' mother came. ; Grandma Endora came and brought Sweetheart, Emme and Elissa's little sister Hortencia.

Poor Alex is getting so uncomfortable. She put on a pleased face, but her back was aching terribly.

Brenda the Beauteous is laughing. " I can't believe we picked so many doubles. There are matching sleepers, kimonos, sweater sets and blankets!"

Janiedear turned and whispered to Emilie, "Alex will need help taking the extra baby outfits back to the Baby Boutique."

Hortencia isn't the cheerful, happy person that her sisters are. She isn't pleased about having to play baby bingo and drink sweet, sweet punch.

Basil's mom is in a mood.

Marybeth can feel a little foot poking at Alex' tummy. Alex' assistant, Jadde wrote the gift list. She plans to get the Thank You cards printed and the envelopes addressed for Alex.

Meanwhile Up In The Attic Rec Room

Fred discovered that Scotty needed a change. Gramps told him to turn Scotty so that if the fountain should go off, the flow would go onto the floor. Fred is scratching his head over that one. "What fountain?"

Russell's brother calls over to Fred. "Little Ellery needs a change too!"

"I thought we were having guy time." Davy griped.

Lee asked. "I thought Basil finished the pole barn for a men's place. Not for hen parties." He was sighing in disgust.

Rex is having a great time. The uncles haven't realized he's eating a whole pizza.

Little Mowgli can't quite get past the thought that something awful is going to happen.

Daniel Jim, Rowan, Jada and Riley talked Lee into taking them for a horse ride.

Daniel Jim calls Lee's horse Flash. Because the horsey moves like lightening.

Later That Evening

Trent has fallen asleep. Alex is leaning back on the cushions trying to get comfortable.

Mowgli is tired, but he's fretting and Alex is trying to comfort him.

Daniel Jim is trying to wake Uncle Trent by tickling his belly.

Sally Rose loves being tucked into the pocket of Grandma Effie's apron. Grandma Effie loves being a grandma....

Grandma Endora is chatting with Marybeth, Marley and Lyra about school. She brought her knitting to keep her hands busy.

But Scarlett, as she prefers to be called, would prefter that sticky children stay completely away from her.

"OH NO!!" cried Alex.

"We're having a BABY!!" Grandma Effie squeals.

"Wake up, Dad! Mommy wet her pants" Mowgli said to his sleeping father.

"What! Is there time to boil water? What about cigars. I haven't got cigars!" Trent hollered as he scrambled up off the couch.

"I'll get the towells." Trent called as he ran in the bathroom.

Dr. Elissa and her nurse have Alex comfortable in bed by the time Trent comes in with the towels

A Short Time Later

Alex delivered quickly.

Trent smiles, "Can we tell the others that we are having two babies now?"

Mowgli seeing his new baby brothers, said, "We could have used this bed for Goldboy. Why do we needs new kids?"

The baby shower turned into a welcoming party for the new baby boys.

Chapter 23, Mowgli's New Friend

2009-03-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day in the northland....

The dolls have been trying to get together more frequently. The families have grown so, that they have to gather again at the Sportsmans' Club. It is becoming quite a tight fit.

Alex learned from her doctor today, that she has at least three more months to go. And Matt with his usual tact said, "I'm not getting in arms reach of her!"

Trent had to stop at a plus-sized maternity shop on the way to the party. Alex found one robe that fit her. She is so uncomfortable.

Trent hasn't slept all night in weeks. He wakes, grabs his calculator and mutters under his breath. Alex has to get up on her hands and knees to turn over in bed. Little Mowgli must be forgiven for telling his mom that sometimes she looks like a turtle on it's back.

Dr. Elissa brought her bag. She has some very major concerns for Alex. She's kept her blood pressure cuff fastened to Alex' upper arm for days.

Janiedear has her own concerns. Russell's brother has been calling, sending flowers, dropping by unannounced and sitting awfully close. Janiedear isn't very interested and Russell's brother isn't getting the hint.

Contractor Fred is always prepared for everything, which was fortunate. The old deer mount had fallen off the wall, but he got it fixed good as new.

Elfbaby Sally Rose is on her favorite perch, up on her daddy's shoulder peeking through his beard.

Scotty and Baby have plenty to say to one another.

The other kids are watching a video in the corner. They've saved a pillow for Mowgli, but he is worried about his mom.

Trent's been very concerned about Mowgli. He and Alex have tried to talk to Mowgli, telling him that he is their first child, that they love him more than anything and that he will love being a big brother. Mowgli still crawls into bed with them at night.

Several days later....

Janiedear was at a college friend's housewarming party and met an oil man from Texas.

Lee has swept Janiedear off her feet with invitations for dinner and dancing, horseback riding and target shooting. He's even invited her to visit his ranch.....

At Emme's house.....

The ladies are having a playdate at Emme's house. Marley, Marybeth and Rex are at school.

Sweetheart wants to start planning a baby shower for Alex.

"Alex hardly has all that she needs for Mowgli. Now she needs to set up a nursery. As full as Alex looks, we don't have much time to plan a shower!"

Over at the park....

Alex is cold. She tells Trent, " The only maternity clothes that fit me look like the little dresses that Jessamyn wears. Emme was so kind to loan me a jacket, but it doesn't close! I don't want to go through another two and a half months of this!!!"

Just then Mowgli spotted a Sheltie pup lying in the snow by a bush. "Hi boy! Why are you sleeping in the snow? Don't you have a boy to care for you?"

"Dad, can we keep him?" Mowgli shouted with excitement.

"Look at him, Trent," Alex whispered.

"Daddy, we need a good dog. Look how nice he is. Mom won't have to buy a dog bed. Goldboy can sleep with me!"

"Alright son," Trent smiled. "I do believe we are going to need a herding dog soon, son."

"TRENT!" Alex frowned.

to be continued...

Chapter 22 Alex' Interesting Condition

2009-01-30T14:30:00.000-08:00

Emme was out running errands and stopped by Basil's office.

Fred, the contractor, had some questions for Basil about the house that they were building.

Emme and Janiedear were having a quiet conversation bout baby showers and cake flavors.

Riley was lonely and wanted Fred to pick her up, but he had his tool belt on. Riley thought about having a temper tantrum.

It was close to bedtime at the Lodge at the North Pole.

Sweetheart was making up bottles and snacks.

Santa was trying to keep two slippery babies in the washtub.

Over at Emme's house, the guys were becoming excited about the Superbowl.

Pete and Matt were debating which team had an edge over the other.

Little Mowgli was feeling anxious and clingy. Trent had been pacing the floor for days. Every so often, he'd pull out his calculator and run some more figures.

Up in the kids' room, Rowan and Jada were playing with their Trolls.

Daniel Jim had to play Star Trek all by his lonesome. He wished Mowgli would come upstairs to play.

Marley and Marybeth were having trouble with the story they were doing for school. They can't figure out how to get the wild horse out of the canyon. Marybeth does her best thinking when she stares at the ceiling.

But stretched out on Emme's bed with Dr. Elissa and her nurse was a very expectant Alex.

Dr. Elissa had advised Alex to stop working a month ago. Very reluctantly, she turned her work over to her assistant and temporarily left the busy world of municipal planning.

Esme and Tyler worried constantly about Alex. Neither of them had gotten quite so big with their pregnancies.

Dr. Elissa gave Alex a thorough check-up. Then re-assured the other ladies that Alex still had some time before the baby came.

To Be Continued.........

Chapter 21 The Christmas Party

2008-12-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

The family Christmas party.

Santa and Sweetheart always hosted the family Christmas party the Saturday after Christmas Day. Santa was always so rushed those last few days before Christmas, that he and Sweetheart decided several Christmases back to hold their own festivities after the rush was over.

Sweetheart was so excited about finally having children, she made matching outfits for her whole family. She even made Santa hats for the little ones.

Elfbaby Sally Rose had been climbing, running and even bouncing off the furniture. Little Scotty was starting to chew on fingers, so maybe he would soon have a tooth.

Over at Emme's house, the children's anticipation grew.

Jada and Rowan put some Santa hats that they had found in the closet, on Jessamyn and Ellery

Daniel Jim was telling extra-ordinary stories about what Santa would give him at the party. Riley had no idea why anyone would want Tinker Toys or Lincoln Logs.

Since we last saw the family, Mowgli had become very attached to his Mommy Alex. He often stood leaning against her legs. All the other moms thought it a very touching sight.

The guys were sitting very uncomfortably watching ESPN.

Trent was keeping Baby content. The little ones like to watch his mustache wiggle while he talks.

Fred had been ribbing Rex constantly since he had seen the sweater that Tyler was making the boy wear.

Rex was not amused.

The ladies had finished packing the dishes, food and drinks.

The Sportsman's Club was the ideal place for a large family gathering.

Santa had brought a couple of the young reindeer to the party for the children to enjoy. Daniel Jim couldn't resist getting on the back of Blizzard.

The mom's all wanted pictures of the little ones with a reindeer. Marley, Marybeth and Rex decided that they were too old to be pictured on the back of a small deer.

Over in the game room, the menfolk were trashing each other over the pool table.

Only Mowgli noticed that Ellery and Jessamyn were ready to open presents.......

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-12-23T20:11:00.001-08:00

Chapter 20 A Very Busy Summer

2008-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Photos by a special cousin

Story told by a special doll

First we went to visit Cousin Emma in Columbus. She is studying at Ohio State University learning to be a doctor.

She and her husband Kyle live in a very small apartment. Kyle works from home so he is able to tend their baby.

Cousin Emma and Kyle took us to the Columbus Zoo. Riley, Rowan and Jada loved the Asian bird exhibit.

Then we went to Virginia to see our Peter. He took us to a museum where we saw a Saber tooth Tiger. Daniel Jim made growling sounds and scared the little girls.

Marybeth and I were so embarrassed by him,

but all mom said was, "Never mind girls".

A couple weeks later we went up north. We had to cross the Mackinaw Bridge to get to the Upper Peninsula. (I forgot to say, "We live in Interlochen, Michigan.") One interesting fact about the bridge is that it connects the peninsulas where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.

Mom hates riding over the grates on the inside lane. The car jiggles and the tires make awful sounds.

We kept driving until we reached Paradise. There on the shore of Lake Superior, we watched a couple of freighters. The captains blew their air horns and it looked like the freighters would crash together. They didn't

We had to get back into the cars and drive to the boat landing on the Taquemenon River where grandpa's cabin is.

The water was so pretty. We saw some big birds and hidden in some brush along the shore, a baby fawn.

Finally Dad pulled up to shore and tied the boat to the tree.

We carried the coolers, the water, the supplies, the fishing tackle, the suitcases and the sleeping bags through the swamp and then in the clearing was grandpa's cabin.

After we got everything into the porch--Mom, Aunt Elissa, Aunt Tyler, Aunt Sweetheart, Aunt Esme and Aunt Alex begged us to go fishing.

Uncle Santa carried Scottie while Dad carried Ellery. They stayed on shore with Marybeth, Silly Old Hound Dog, Daniel Jim and our new cousin Mowgli.

I floated in the raft, but not very far out into the water because Uncle Trent tied my raft to Uncle Fred's boat.

The little girls went out in the boat with Uncle Fred. Rowan caught a whopper. Uncle Fred snapped pictures. After a while, he brought the girls back into shore because he had a headache.

Later Uncle Pete went out on the river with Uncle Russell's brother (oops, I forgot his name). Silly Old Hound Dog jumped in the water and swam out to the boat. Uncle Pete put his foot out to try to stop Silly Old Hound Dog from jumping in and shaking water all over both of them.

Uncle Matt wanted a picture of Daniel Jim with his big fish. Daniel Jim had wanted to have some marshmellows around the fire pit and maybe roast some weinies. Then he changed his mind, he wanted his fish.

Mowgli is still very shy. Uncle Trent and Aunt Alex found him one day. All he was wearing was a loincloth. He doesn't like to wear clothes very much. Sometimes he cries. Aunt Alex forgets she can't talk to him the way she talks to us. Then Mowgli hides from her.

Mom says that they just need time to get accustomed to one another.

Silly Old Hound Dog kept shaking water on Marybeth. She was ready to get a bucket and shake water on Silly Old Hound Dog.

Mowgli caught a fish but he wouldn't let Uncle Trent see it.

Mom says we have to be very patient with Mowgli, that he has "issues".

Whatever............................

Sometimes he's as much of a brat as the other little kids.

Aunt Esme and Uncle Russell wanted to walk the trail at the back of the cabin.

Aunt Tyler's nephew, Rex, stayed with them this summer.

Mom said his parents were having "difficulties".

I don't really understand issues and difficulties, but I'm thinking that they are emotional scars left on a person's soul by almost insurmountable troubles.

The moms made us stay outside all afternoon. Every half hour or so, one would come out with more sunscreen or bug repellent. Dad didn't understand why they weren't outside enjoying the wonderful weather with us.

Uncle Santa told Aunt Sweetheart that Elfbaby Sally Rose had to stay in the cabin. That they'd never find her if she strayed out into the forest.

Jessamyn was getting a new tooth. We didn't want her to come outside with us!!

She is such a crab when a tooth is bothering her.

The cabin isn't big enough for all of us. We took turns in the old camper and in Uncle Russell's big tent.

Dad was so tired the second night at the cabin, he pulled the old yellow tub in front of the woodstove, heated water on the campstove and took a very cold bath.

It gets very dark at night up in the north woods.

The end.

Written by Marley St. John

The UPS Man Gave Davy a Ride!!!

2008-08-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

"Mr. Crockett!! You said you'd be home by April. Today is the 27th of August!!!" Mrs. Crockett (Brenda the Beauteous) shouted.

"Mrs. Crockett, I heard about a rock out in New Mexico and meandered out that way to take a look." Davy drawled as he sauntered closer to his beauty.

"Don't you come any closer. You smell worse than a greased pig." Mrs. Crockett ordered. "Did you notice our little one come while you were away?" she demanded.

"Yes Mrs. Crockett, I did spy a little one over by the bank. It is a filly or a colt?" Davy replied.

"Mr. Crockett!!!!"

Brenda the Beauteous is truly excited to have Davy home with her now.

Bren And Kathy Sent The Dolls Presents

2008-08-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

(The dolls were having a bad hair day. They thought it best to wear their hairnets.)

Mowgli is so excited! Grandma Bren sent him some new sneakers in the mail today.

He won't take the sneakers off even though it was a scorcher today and all the other kids are barefoot.

Marley and Marybeth are ignoring the new boy. (I think his name is Rex.)

Down in the living room, the adults are admiring Brenda the Beauteous' new baby girl.

All the adults except Pete, he wants to see how the ball game is doing and the ladies won't let him turn on ESPN.

Over at Basil's office, Basil is interviewing a new secretary. He's not so sure he can work with a secretary named Janiedear. Janiedear is not so sure she can work with so casual a boss, who seems more interested in golf and fishing than in proper business procedures.

Emme stopped in at the Lodge at the North Pole to show Sweetheart the new dress she made from fabric her friend Kathy sent. Sweetheart loved the hot pink floral print. Santa, on the other hand, is oblivious. His favorite show, The Barbie and Ken Comedy Hour, is on.

And finally....The lovebirds are still cooing.

Chapter 19 A New Life

2008-06-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

A TEARFUL MORNING AT ALEX' OFFICE

"Trent, I don't know why I even got involved in the mayoral campaign. I should have known better." Alex griped to Trent.

"Darling, your total was only 23 votes less than the new mayor's. To my thinking, you had an excellent first campaign." Trent reasoned.

"I hated going to afternoon teas, Library Friends meetings, PTA meetings, and book club meetings. I....AM....SO....TIRED....OF....BEING....NICE!!!" Alex seethed. "It is too hard to think before I speak. Too hard to murmur politely about a brand of tea. Too hard to worry about whether the children should have apples or bananas for snacks. Too hard to follow a convoluted story line, when I really want to be talking about how to improve our city."

"Alex, whether you run for office again, or decide to make changes in other ways, you will make a huge difference in the lives of people around you." Trent affirms to Alex.

MEANWHILE OVER AT EMME'S HOUSE

"Children, it is time to dress for Alex and Trent's wedding." Emme calls out as she enters the attic nursery.

"Sally Rose!! What are you doing?" Emme scolds the Elfbaby.

"Ma, She won't stay where we put her. She was on top of the wardrobe a couple minutes ago." Marley responds.

"Aunt Emme, have you noticed how big Scotty is getting. He fills Baby's travel bed now." Marybeth calls to her aunt.

"We get to be flower girls!" Rowan screeched to Jada and Riley.

"Ah huh, Aunt Alex told me that we'd have roses to wear on our arms!" Jada calls out.

"This is going to be so fun--but what is a wedding?" Riley ponders. "We have to look nice for Aunt Alex. We have to wear roses on our arms for Aunt Alex. We have to be very good for Aunt Alex. No one tells us why!" Riley exclaims.

"Aunt Emme, I don't want to be bare." Daniel Jim sobs.

"Oh, sweetie pie, the word is bearer. It means that you are going to carry the rings for Aunt Alex and Uncle Trent." Emme tries to calm Daniel Jim. "You have a new suit to wear. Dan hon, you are going to be so handsome." Emme smiled.

THE CITY PARK

The guys had spent a busy morning hauling chairs and getting everything set up at the park.

"They need to get this show on the road before the rain starts." Russell grumbles.

"The weather will be fine." Sweetheart answers Russell. Her nerves are still agitated from a morning of getting her family ready for the wedding. Santa wouldn't wear a tie. He insisted on a top hat to hide the bald spot on his crown. Sally Rose kept hiding from her. And Scotty spit up on almost every article of clothing he has.

"Think this shindig will be over before the game starts?" Pete questions Matt.

"I have a battery operated television in the back of the truck. Lissa doesn't know I brought it." Matt answers in an undertone.

"Trent has to get to the airport before 5, so we shouldn't miss the start of the game." Basil replies softly. "The ladies need time for a good cry, but we should still be home and in comfy clothes well before the tip-off."

"SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The ladies hiss in unison.

Trent, the three flowergirls and the ring bearer are all in place.

"Oooooooh, Aunt Alex is beautiful!" Jada whispers to Rowan and Riley.

"Uncle Trent, I need to go to the potty," Daniel Jim pleads with Trent.

"Alright boy, but we have to hurry." Trent rushes off carrying Daniel Jim.

"The girls are beautiful Emme and Elissa," whispers Tyler. "I love the prints that Alex chose the the dresses."

"Psst, Marley slow down." Marybeth hisses to her cousin. " I can't keep up."

"I forgot to fill my purse with tissues," Esme murmurs to Sweetheart.

Alex is counting her steps under her breath. She didn't realize that getting married would be so nerve-wracking. She thinks she has everything. Her 'something old' is the ring pillow. Her 'something new' are her sparkly silver heels. Her 'something borrowed' are the veil and bouquet. Her something blue are her sash and her garter.

"Alex, you are so beautiful." Trent mouthed

"Oh Trent," Alex sighed

"Thank God that is over." Trent muttered.

"Trent, it was a touching ceremony," Alex scolds her new husband.

"The table looks so pretty. I hope the photographer is getting plenty of pictures." Alex chattered on.

"Please join us in dining on some refreshments!" Trent called to the guests.

LATER THAT DAY AT A QUIET LITTLE INN

"Are you ready for a quick dip before dinner?" Trent asks Alex.

"Alex......WHAT IS THAT?" Trent interrogates his new bride.

"You mean my piercing?" Esme dared me to get it a couple years ago. Then she didn't get one, because she was pregnant." Alex answered rolling her eyes.

"Did you see that they brought refreshments up for us. I love this Inn. The vintage pillows on the bed, the woodstove in the corner, the cabin chair. It is so wonderful here, isn't it dearest?" Alex continued.

"Let's go down to the lakefront and test the waters." Trent answered.

The newlyweds spent a wonderful two weeks at the Inn before returning home to find their new lives.

Chapter 18 Alex Is In Love

2008-04-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Over at the Park

Ales' campaign for Mayor has kept her so busy, she and Trent often meet at the park for a quick walk after lunch.

Trent has been courting Alex with serious intentions. Alex being so shy, only allows an occasional kiss on the cheek.

Trent had taken Alex to the Police Awards Banquet. His mother and father were so taken with Alex. Every phone call since the Banquet evening, Trent's mom has asked if he's given Alex his grandmother's ring.

Over at Emme's House

The kids have new beds. Riley and Marley are all set to have a sleep-over party with all their friends.

Marybeth is planning videos, music, pizza and nail polish.

The little kids are thinking, maybe they'll be able to stay up until 8 o'clock.

Dr. Elissa is making a quick stop before she needs to go back to the hospital to meet with a patient's parents. She's had another exhausting day at work, what with stitches, x-rays, temperatures and temper tantrums.

Matt and Russell are wondering when Basil will be home from work. They want him t0 help set up their new fishing rods.

"Brenda B!!!" exclaimed Tyler. "I didn't know you were back from Spain. Did you bring pictures? What was the weather like? Did you find any fabrics for Emme?"

"I'll tell you all about Spain later. Right now I want to tell you and Elissa about a dream I had last night." Brenda B replied.

"I dreamed I was a Colonial settler. I had a long blue floral dress with this very large apron on over it and a red lacy shawl. There was snow on the ground and I was calling, "Mr. Crockett!"

I was so unsettled when the dream woke me. Like I'm searching for someone.

"Brenda B honey, Tyler and I have both had dreams like that. Mine was about visiting all the gyms in town. At the last one, I saw a blond head walking through a doorway. Several months later I happened into the gym I'd dreamed of and there was my blond man, Matt." Elissa replied with a sentimental smile.

Over at Basil's Office

After the fundraising meeting at Riley's nursery school, Emme stops in at Basil's office. Basil is feeling very cranky this afternoon.

"Emme, we have to do something about the family always being at our house. I'm sure that Matt, Russell and Pete will have some project for me this evening. I want to be able to go home and spend time with my daughters and son." Basil complained. "We either have to move to New Jersey, build on, or offend the others."

"I don't want to move. I love our house. I love my engineering business. I love our town." Basil continued. "I do not want to cause any family troubles. What are we going to do?"

Emme answered gently, "Basil, all we have to do is ask everyone to go home. They know we need family time."

"What is this drawing of, Basil?" questioned Emme.

"A grad student at Michigan State University sent it to me. He is so knowledgeable about bridge designing." Basil answered. "This Jordan's future is as plain as this print. He'll go on to design structures all over the world."

"Perhaps you should make him an offer," Emme suggested.

Up at the Lodge at the North Pole

Santa and Sweetheart are settled in for a cozy evening. Santa has his favorite show on the television.

Scotty and Elfbaby Sally Rose are snoozing on the end of the bed.

"Santa, I know you prefer the babies in their own bed, but soon they'll be too big to sleep on the end of our bed." Sweetheart murmured to Santa.

"I do know, Sweetheart dearest, Scotty and Sally Rose are growing so fast. We need to enjoy every minute with them." Santa replied.

Meanwhile back at the Park.......

Trent knelt down and asked Alex to be his and his alone for the rest of his days.

Alex of course answered, "Oh Yes! Of course I will. Oh dear, Trent--A RING!!!!"

This is where we will end this episode with

Alex' headset and her engagement ring

in the grass....

Chapter 17 A Slumber Party

2008-02-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

Trent stopped in at Alex' office to let her know that the investigation at the Municipal Building has been closed. The Deputy Treasurer had embezzled the Library funds.

"Alex, at the end of the month there will be an awards banquet for the City Police Department. There will be dinner, a short presentation of awards and following the presentation, dancing." Trent spoke nervously. "I was wondering if you'd care to attend as my guest?"

"Before you answer Alex, you should know that my parents will also be attending. My father will be receiving a plaque recognizing his 40 years of service to the Department." Trent continued.

"You must be so proud of your Dad. Of course I will attend with you!" Alex accepted

The ladies are having a slumber party with all the children this evening. Sister/Sweetheart flew down from the Lodge at the North Pole with Baby Scotty and Elfbaby Sally Rose. Elissa brought Marybeth and Daniel Jim. Tyler packed up Rowan and Baby.

Emme stopped at the store on her way home from work and picked up popcorn, a vegetable tray, a big bag of oranges, a gallon of chocolate milk and for the ladies after the little ones go to sleep, a big bag of dark chocolates.

"Marley and Marybeth, I picked up that movie you've been wanting to see." Emme spoke quietly because Ellery was winding down. "You need to wait until after the little kids are in bed to start the dvd.

Finally the little children were sleepy.

Riley is wondering when Mom and Dad will get bunk beds for her. Then she would be able to roll over......."sigh"

"Mom" Marley asks with a grin. "Which television should we play the movie on?"

"Ladies, sometime Basil does things that we just don't understand. He bought a second TV so that he and the guys could watch two games at the same time." Emme exclaimed in exasperation.

Meanwhile up at the cabin...

The guys needed to make a quick trip to shovel snow off the roof.

"Every winter the snow up here surprises me." Matt chattered on. "We don't get anywhere near this much snow at home. We really need to get some snowmobiles for the trip in from the main road." He rambled on. "Even a plow truck wouldn't get through the drifts on the road in."

We should get a picture of us on the roof, like the one of your grandfather. And add a new one every winter." Matt continued.

"Trent," Basil spoke. "You must not have understood about the cabin. We leave the ties and dress shoes home. We eat the foods the women won't let us have. We play cards. We act uncivilized!"

Back at Home

"I'm sorry girls, the movie is going to have to wait. I need help." Alex interrupted.

"Trent has invited me to go with him to a Police awards banquet. HIS PARENTS ARE GOING TO BE THERE!!"

"I found these dresses at the resale shop."

"And then at the fabric shop, there were some pretty choices."

"What am I going to do?" Alex wailed.

"First Alex, let us see how you look in the dresses." Tyler comforted Alex.

"Oh Alex!" Esme breathed. "That style is so becoming to your pretty shoulders and your very tiny waist."

"Alex." Elissa instructed. "Take off your headset. You cannot go on your first date with Trent with your phone on your head."

"I like that simple sheathe style on Alex. Don't you Emme?" Sister/Sweetheart asked her sister.

Alex is so confused. She wants to look beautiful for Trent. But she also wants to look respectable for his parents.

Tammy Chapter 6 The Flu Bug

2008-02-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

Dad is not sure he will ever be able to get up again. Mom keeps telling him not to jiggle the bed.....

Tammy had to leave work early. Grandma got as far as Pepper's bed, then she needed to lay down.

Ted is being a baby, Mel told him that if he loses his dinner over the side of the bed, there will be trouble.

The only ones in the family feeling well are grandpa and the little kids.

Mom is concerned. When she gets the energy, she's going to call next door and see if the little ones could go over there for a while.

Pepper and Patti are deciding what to make for dinner. They can't decide between a roast, baked potatoes, peas and a gelatin salad or toast.

Mom told them not to touch the range so they are thinking it will have to be toast.

Pete and Salty let the dog on the table.........

Chapter 16 Alex and the Investigator

2008-01-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Esme and Tyler are getting dinner this evening.

Marybeth and Marley set out the dishes on the table. Marley is exasperated.

"We don't have room for the food!"

Emme isn't at her best this evening. She had a terrible day at work. Her current client wants her formal living room to have purple plaid furniture and red floral wallpaper. The client also wants lime green striped drapes!!!

Elissa also had a nerve wracking day. One of her little patients came in with a sliver in his foot. Another jumped off the top bunk and had a swollen arm. Then there was the poor little dear who was ill all over the exam room.

Dr. Elissa really prefers well child visits.

"Guys, I'm thinking we need to get a fishing boat this summer. Emme and Lissie's family have that cottage on the lakeshore." Matt muses.

"Wonder what we're having for dinner?"
Pete, who doesn't like the water, interjects.

Meanwhile down at the Municipal Building, where Alex' office is located.....

"Hello Alex." Trent politely murmurs in his precise tones.

"This isn't a social visit. I'm here at the Municipal Building looking into some allegations of money missing from the library fund."

"Please sit Trent" Alex invites. "Here let me take my latest
batch of campaign posters."

"The printer just delivered more. I'm trying to saturate the city with

my face." Alex smiles.

"What is that architectural drawing over there on the wall?" Trent questions.

"A local builder is planning a small development on the south side of town. He envisions small groupings of three or four homes scattered over the former site of the furniture factory." Alex answers quickly.

"I have to admit I have a list of concerns. The possibility of soil and ground water contamination lead my list. Followed by the builder's request that the city help finance his development. And that neighborhood homes won't fit into an industrial area. Trent, I have a bad feeling about
this." Alex admits to Trent.

Trent looks concerned. "Alex, I agree this doesn't seem the ideal spot to build a residential area. I'll ask around and see what I can find out about the builder."

"Back to the reason I'm here today, have you noticed anyone here at the Municipal Building who has had a financial change?" Trent inquires of Alex.

Up at the North Pole the Clauses are settling in for a long winter's night.

It is almost time for Santa and Elfbaby Sally Rose' favorite show.

'The Barbie and Ken Comedy Hour'

When Ken is silly, Sally Rose laughs and laughs.
Santa loves listening to Barbie sing.

Back at Emme's house, everyone has sat down to dinner.

Everyone that is except Esme and Tyler.

"Emme!" Basil states sternly.
"We have to do something about the size of this table!"

Chapter 15 Changes

2007-12-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

Part 1

When we last visited with Emme's family, Santa had found little Scotty on the porch step of the Lodge at the North Pole. The next morning he walked out the front door and found another basket! There was a note asking Santa and Mrs. Claus to watch over Elfbaby Sally Rose.

Dear little Scotty is not sleeping well. His little tummy hurts him. Sweetheart hopes he feels better soon, since he's almost out of t-shirts and diapers.

Elfbaby Sally Rose thought that since Mom, Dad and Scotty were awake, she should get up and play too. The Clauses think Sally Rose is about the size Elfbabies are at 9 months. Santa calls her his little Pipsqueak.

Poor Santa, he's so exhausted from all the overtime he has to put in to be ready for Christmas Eve. Checking his list, counting the toys, training the reindeer, staying late to drink hot cocoa with the Elves.....

And besides all that, Emme and Basil went away for the weekend and left Silly Old Hound Dog with them. The zany dog loves to climb into the babies' basket to nap.

Part 2

"Oh Santa!" Sweetheart wailed. "I wranpped Sally rose in a towel after her bath and turned to reach for her diaper and now I can't find her."

"Sweetheart, honey," Santa replied gently. "Did you look in the tree. You know how our Pipsqueak loves to climb."

"There you are my little darling," Sweetheart crooned.

"Scotty, son, don't pull daddy's beard." remonstrated Santa.

The guys are watching a game tonight, Sweetheart. I'll get the reindeer harnessed, while you get Sally Rose ready to go. We'll probably spend the night, so pack an overnight bag." Santa called on his way out to the reindeer barn.

At Emme's house, the kids are cozy and ready for bed.

Marley and Marybeth are fixing each other's hair.

The little kids are discussing what Uncle Santa will bring them Christmas morning. Daniel Jim wants some more airplanes so he can play airport. Riley wants a new Barbie house. Jada has hopes for some new markers. While Rowan is wishing for a jump rope.

"Hey guys!" Santa bellows. "Did I miss any of the game?"

"Nope, we've been watching a little of this fishing show while we wait," Russell John rumbles.

"Santa, this is Trent. I met him at the gym. He is a detective working with fraud cases." Basil calls to Santa.

"Good evening Santa, I'm glad to meet you." Trent responds in his precise British tones.

"I still don't understand why the girls took our chips away. We only spilled a few on the floor." Matt griped.

"Who has the remote?" Basil hollers. "It's almost time for the game."

Meanwhile the ladies are holding babies and having tea and cake down in the kitchen.

"We need another baby for you to hold, Alex." Emme murmurs gently so as not to disturb Scotty. "Alex, later we'll go upstairs so you can meet Basil's friend."

Alex looks very disgruntled. She hates to be set up by her well-meaning, happily married friends.

She prefers to find her own men.

Chapter 14 Sister's Surprise

2007-11-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Basil, Matt, Russ and Pete were enjoying a cup of coffee while they retold their favorite stories from deer camp.

The rest of the family was relaxing in the living room.

Daniel Jim and Silly Old Hound Dog were seeing eye to eye.

Baby was practicing her crawling.

And Sister was feeling sad. She and Santa had hoped to add to their family, but it just hadn't happened for them. Santa would be a wonderful father. And Sister wanted to have an exuberant household like her sisters and friends have.

Out on the lawn there arose such a clatter when the reindeer accidentally knocked over the fall decorations.

Santa retrieved a basket from the sleigh and headed in the back door to the kitchen.

"Santa! We didn't know you were coming!" Russ rumbled.

"Hey man, what's in your basket?" Matt questioned.

"It's a little surprise for Sweetheart." Santa answered.

(Santa calls Sister, Sweetheart.)

"Sweetheart, Look what was on our doorstep this morning!" Santa exclaimed, handing the basket to Sister.

"Oh Santa, he's beautiful.....Those big blue eyes and his soft, fuzzy red hair." Sister breathlessly questioned. "Do we know who he belongs to?"

"There was a note in the basket with him. He is our son now, to love and to raise." Santa reassured his Sweetheart.

"I think I'm going to cry!" wailed Emme.

"Can we hold him Aunt Sister?" begged little Riley.

"Little girl, let Aunt Sister hold the baby, she's been waiting so long for him," Emme gently explained to Riley.

With all the excitement over the new baby, it was a perfect time for Ellery to take his shoes off.

It was also a perfect time for Baby to practice standing up.

"RRoof, Roof!" barked Silly Old Hound Dog, who thought an adult should be watching Baby.

Marybeth is calling Grandma.

Marley is calling Alex.

Silly Old Hound Dog is thinking how tasty little Ellery's shoe would be. Maybe the people won't squirt him with the spray bottle.

Sister still isn't ready to let anyone else hold the baby. But everyone understands. There will be plenty of time to hold the little dumpling before he's ready to leave for college.

Santa is telling the guys about the new breed of black reindeer he's using. They have excellent endurance.

It's time for Sister, Santa and the baby to head back to the
Lodge at the North Pole.

Santa is only pretending to be calm and collected. He's as excited as Sister. Now if only he can get the reins untangled.

Dear Santa and Mrs. Claus,

I'm not able to care for my baby. Please love him

and raise him to be a fine Claus. Knowing my baby

is safe, I will be able to travel to another land and

make a new life for myself.

Thank you sincerely,

A loving friend

P.S The baby's name is Scotty

P.P.S. He cries when his diaper is wet.

P.P.P.S. When I sing 'Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer' he

wiggles and kicks his feet.

Chapter 13 The Guys Go To Deer Camp

2007-10-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

After seven hours on the road, the guys are finally nearing the cabin.

Basil's Granddad built the cabin 60 years ago. Over the years, family history has accumulated, the kids little fishing rods and life preservers, the new chair and the hooks to hang the bows on. But some things have stayed the same. Granddad's pin-up picture is still on the wall. The wood stove is still temperamental. The log foot rest is still the place to find magazines, newspapers and flashlights.

When the cabin was first built it was a tiny little one room building.

A picture of Basil's Dad from a long, long time ago.

Elissa won't let Matt wear do-rags at home. He's up here in the wilderness and he's going to wear his do-rag. The chill still hasn't gotten out of the cabin corners, two more chunks of wood should bring the heat up.

"Well guys, I'm going out to catch up on my reading, don't wait up!"

"Basil, remember when your Granddad took us out to shoot the stump with his muzzle loader? Your Granny was hollering out the door, '"The boys are only eighteen. Do you really think they should be learning to handle that pistol?"' Pete smiled.

Laughing, Basil reminisced, "She used to have dinner ready, so that when we brought the fish in, the fry pan was spitting grease."

"Tyler won't let me have fish fried in grease," Pete grumbled. "We should bring the boy and come up for a week in the summer so he can have some man time. The way he cried when we left yesterday, just about broke my heart."

"His dad was wiping his eyes for the first fifty miles," Basil agreed.

Russ was over at the bow rack getting a good look at Granddad's pin-up. "She was quite a beauty, wasn't she?" he asked the guys.

Basil smiled with fond memories, "He heard her sing in a saloon. Granddad said she sounded like an angel. Granny always pretended to hate that picture, but she always made sure it was hanging straight and dusted."

"Russ, do you remember the time Basil's Dad brought us up here and the porcupine was chewing the porch step?" Pete grinned. "We sure learned a lot of new words that day!"

"Hey Basil, what did you see on your scouting drive today?" Russell questioned.

"It didn't start off well. Someone had put some squash and pumpkins under a pine and a group of reindeer were feeding. There was a picture in my mind of the six older children telling me not to shoot any of Uncle Santa's reindeer."

"A quarter mile further into the woods, I found a huge buck rub."

"The Huron River was flowing fast today. Even with seeing it all my life, water that looks like root beer still boggles my mind."

"The cedar is still growing out of the stump in the pond."

"That big old rock is still at the corner."

"Finally I spotted a doe. By that time, I needed more gas and lunch. So I headed for the crossroads. It is going to be another great deer camp!" Basil finished.

"Now if only we remember to get another deck of cards tomorrow. I still can't believe Matt used the cards to start the fire." Russell griped.

"And if we remember to get some chips 'n dip, a couple bags of cookies and some thick steaks," Pete added.

"And if we remember to call home tomorrow," Basil contemplated.

"And if we remember to get another memory card for the camera so we can get plenty of pics," Matt concluded.

This episode is for my husband. A man who loves the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and deer hunting.

Chapter 12 What A Day......

2007-10-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

The time for Sister to travel back to the North Pole is coming fast. She loves being with all the family, but Santa has called her five times in the last two days. He always gets so stressed in late October.

Sister stops in at Alex' office to see if she's free for lunch.

Alex is a bundle of nerves. There is so much pressure on her to run for Mayor. Naturally she has some concerns. Not about her ability to manage the city though.

"Since Dad died, I've been helping Mom with money for the younger sisters' educations." she explains. "Through careful saving and investments, my accounts have enough to take care of mom and pay the girls' tuitions for the next four years. But what if Mom becomes too ill to manage on her own? What if one of the girls wants to go to medical school? What if Mom's house needs extensive repairs? What if I don't like being a mayor?"

Sister didn't have any answers other than she's never been to Olive Garden and would really like to try lunch there.

MEANWHILE OVER AT THE ST. JOHN HOUSEHOLD

"Oh Tyler....I am so ready for the guys to go to deer camp. Basil has lists. He has piles of hunting supplies. He has 5 bushels of sorted acorns to feed the deer!" Emme moaned to Tyler.

"Pete wants me to pick scent blocking body wash and deodorant! He wants me to make up a huge pot of chili!! He wants to know if he should take the tv/dvd player!!! He wants to know where he put his thick socks!!!! The cabin doesn't even have electricity!!!!! What are they going to do with a tv??????" Tyler screeched.

"Men" they both groaned.

Up in the kids' room, Marley and Marybeth were entertaining Ellery and Jessamyn with the Halloween puppets that Aunt Brenda sent. The little kids still haven't used all the stickers that Aunt Brenda and Aunt Diane sent. The kids even decorated the crib.

The moms haven't realized that Aunt Brenda sent Halloween bags in the package with the puppets.

Oh my, its good to be a kid.

Well maybe, Ellery really likes his kitty puppet, but Jessamyn isn't so sure about the mummy puppet or the skeleton puppet or the Frankenstein puppet....

Russell John picked Esme and the kids up after nursery school. He doesn't understand how she can be so calm after a day with so many munchkins. The running and giggling would be more than he could take.

Little Daniel Jim was creating some of the havoc. Grandma made some new overalls for him with his favorite character, Mr. Wiggs, the Giant Goldfish, on the bib. The girls are unhappy. They wanted Mr. Wiggs on their new rompers - instead of bows.

Matt takes one look at Daniel Jim and shouts at Elissa, "What have you done to my son?"

"He looks like a conehead!"

"No he does not." Elissa smiles. "I tamed his hair with gel. He looks so much like you with his hair this way."

Chapter 11 DADDY'S HOME!!!!!

2007-10-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Esme gently woke Jada and Jessamyn. They heard their daddy's rumbling voice down in the kitchen. "DADDY'S HOME!!!" Jada screams. They've missed him so much. He's been gone on a very, very long business/golf trip.

"Russell John," Esme murmurs sweetly. "This was your last business/golf trip. From now on, you'll be home for dinner every evening."

"Babe," (Russell John calls Esme babe). "The problems in Cincinnati are all worked out. I won't need to go out of town for a long, long time."

LATER AFTER DINNER

Alex stops by to tell her friends the latest news. She's been offered the opportunity to run for Mayor. Alex really loves her job as a municipal planner. She's not sure that she is tactful enough to be a politician. Esme agrees with her. The other ladies choke back laughter. Alex is not amused.

Up in the living room, Daniel Jim, Riley and Rowan are climbing on Uncle Russell John. They love listening to his low rumbly laugh. Jada is feeling so sad and angry. She wants a hug from her dad.

Up in the kids' room, Jada is still feeling sad and mean. Jessamyn and Ellery want to do stickers with the big kids. Aunt Diane set the stickers to Jada, Riley, Rowan and Daniel Jim. Not to babies.

Since they won't stop crying......Jada gives them happy faces.

"Mom, you need to come up and see what those kids have done

now!" exclaims Marley.

"Where is your father?" Emme questions Marley. "I thought he said he'd keep an eye on the little ones."

"Mother! He's discussing golf courses with Uncle Russell John."

Chapter 5 Grandpa's Version of the Tammy Convention

2007-10-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

"Well kiddos, the convention was more fun than I expected. We saw a lot of the relatives. Grandma really enjoyed visiting with the humans." Grandpa relates. "Guess who won the prize for the oldest geezer at the dinner?" he brags.

"Dear, the prize was for your custom hair color." Grandma breaks in sweetly. Pete and Salty believe everything Grandpa tells them, so she always tries to keep the facts clear for them.

"Are you sure?" Grandpa asks. "I didn't see any other old geezers there, only many, many pretty girls. I'm sure the prize was for being an old geezer." he winks at the kids.

"The old man's on a roll tonight, isn't he dear?" Dad murmurs to Mom.

Chapter 10 What To Do About Alex

2007-09-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Evening had settled at the St. John household. The children were in bed. The little ones asleep.

Riley, Rowan and Jada in the little bed.

Jessamyn and Ellery in the crib.

Daniel Jim and Silly Old Hound dog on the floor.

Marybeth and Marley were making plans for a Saturday shopping trip to the craft store with Aunt Sister.

Meanwhile out in Basil's shop.......

Pete looks at Basil and says, "You really are taking to lace aren't you?"

"Worn the darn apron so much lately, I forget I have it on," Basil sadly answered.

"I tried to talk to some of the guys at work. None of them wanted a blind date with Alex. I tried to mention all of her good qualities, they kept asking, 'What's wrong with her?' " Pete grumbles.

"The same happened at the dispatcher's office." muttered Pete.

Basil griped, " I just want to come home to a happy wife and a nice meal. Is that too much to ask for?"

Tyler, Esme, Sister, Elissa and Emme were wondering why Alex had thought they needed help managing their lives.

Esme said, " I love her dearly, but sometimes Alex transfers her needs to other people. I've been hesitant to tell her about my graduate classes. If she were to find out I'm studying toward a PhD in Early Childhood Education, she'd be wanting me to start my own school. When Jessie is ready for kindergarten, I hope to find a position as a Preschool Director. Not take the leap to my own school until I'm sure that our family can handle the demands on my time.

Tyler answered, "Her heart is in the right place. She wanted to make our lives better. Being single she doesn't realize how much we want to be with our families. Like Esme, I plan to focus more on design work when Baby is old enough for school. The work involved in designing along with meeting the needs of school age children will be a huge endeavor."

Sister agreed, "Santa and I don't have children, but we think of the Elves as our family. My days are spent racing from one need to the next. My little run-about sleigh is a life saver, between running the children Elves to Elf school, visiting with the shut-in Elves, helping Dr. Elf with his prenatal Elf visits and filling in on the production lines. Its all I can do to keep track of where I am and what I'm going to do next!"

Elissa has been looking around the room at the others. "I feel so grateful that I had all of you to help me when I was a Resident at the hospital the year Marybeth was born. Matt and I don't know how we would have managed those long shifts, without the four of you to help nurture Marybeth. I always knew she was safe and loved. When we were expecting Jim Dandy, I just couldn't be apart from him the way I had to be when Marybeth was a baby. In three years I plan to work full time again. But for now this is best for us."

Emme replied, "You needn't feel grateful. We all loved having Marybeth. She and Marley were like a couple of puppies, wriggling and laughing. I agree our lives are a compromise about what's best for our families and for ourselves. Now how do we make Alex understand this?"

"A handsome prince" Tyler giggled.

"A young, manly assistant" Esme smiled.

"A Caribbean Cruise" Elissa laughed

"Well," Emme chuckled " I'm voting for the young, manly assistant, who is actually a handsome prince, taking Alex on a Caribbean Cruise!!"

Chapter 4 The Tammy Convention

2007-09-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

The Online Tammy Convention will be held Friday and Saturday,

September 28 and 29.

The web address is : http://tammyconvention.com/

Pepper is so excited! The 2007 Online Tammy Convention is this weekend. She found her outfit from the 2005 convention and it still fits!!

Patti thinks Pepper looks beautiful. Maybe her mom will let her go to the convention with Pepper.

Grandma's not sure about the length of her dress. She's worried someone might see her varicose veins and cellulite.

"Mo-therrrr...." Mom sighs, "You look so pretty. I can't see any veins or lumps."

Grandma finally gives in about the dress.

Tammy comes downstairs in the dress she's chosen.

Mom, Pepper and Grandma are all wearing shades of turquoise. But Tammy has on a black floral sheath.

Pepper wonders, "Why doesn't Tammy want to match the rest of us?"

Grandpa is looking forward to the weekend. He's thinking the Tammy Convention is women's chatter and he can have a restful couple days watching football games with the boys. They may even take the little boys to the ball field and play some touch football.

At least that is what he's hoping.

Grandma wanted a picture of the two of them to send in for the customized Tammy page. When she starts talking about taking his suit to the cleaners--he knows his restful football weekend is out.

Chapter 9 Confusion

2007-09-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

The guys have had heavy hearts this past week. They don't want to think that Alex might have been right. That the women were very disappointed in them.

Basil has spent hours in his shop working on the furniture that Emme wants him to finish.

He'd do anything to make Emme happy.

Matt has been helping the kids with their homework each evening.

Marybeth is typing her paper while Marley practices on the pink guitar. Then they'll switch. They've learned to tag team their homework.

Riley, Rowan and Jada are drawing in their journals. Daniel Jim found an old book of his Daddy Matt's to read.

Matt has known since the moment he met Elissa, that she is the joy in his life.

Pete has been feeding the babies, then giving them their baths. The first evening it was rather dicey.

The babies are so slippery....They splash and laugh and try to eat the soap. Then when Pete tries to wash the strained vegetables out of their hair, they cry hysterically.

Pete soldiers on though. He is so proud of Tyler and wants her always to be glad she's married to him.

Basil has really improved his cooking repertoire. Tonight he's making hot dogs, chips and a pan of brownies from the deli. He never realized how exhausting cooking could be.

Elissa's day at the pediatric clinic was so hectic. Two ear infections, an upset tummy, a bee sting, a dozen immunizations and on and on.....She needs to prop her feet up.

Esme had an equally busy day teaching at the nursery school. There was an accident at the paint easel. There was an accident at the water table. There was an accident and the gerbil escaped his cage. She needs to sit for awhile and calm her nerves.

Tyler always looks perfect. But her day was also long and frustrating. One model gained 7 pounds over the summer. Another model dyed her hair. The third one to come into her office wanted to take an extended vacation. Then there were problems with the photographers. And finally, her computer crashed.

Sister had a wonderful day! She always takes time to shop when she visits Emme and Elissa.

Sister is emptying her bags for Tyler. A bright yellow lantern for Santa, a teddy bear for the new Elf baby, a bright pink plastic tote, the cutest lavender camera, a gag gift for Goofy Elf and the new doll collecting book she's been wanting.

Emme has had a bear of a day. The upholsterer put the wrong fabric on the settee. One of the assistants spilled coffee on a newly finished set of drapes. Another assistant ordered the wrong carpet for the house Emme wanted to finish this week.

She just wanted to come home and make hamburger gravy and mashed potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, some homemade applesauce and maybe pull a pie from the freezer.

Then she comes home to find Basil cooking a miserable dinner for the 6th night in a row. Pete splashing water all over her kitchen. And Matt attempting to help the kids with their homework.

All she wants to know is why? Why are the men acting so strangely? Why are they making such a mess of her finely organized home? And why does Basil keep making them eat hot dogs?

Alex walks in, "Looks like my talk with the guys did some good! I was hoping they'd come around. Now you ladies have no excuses for not putting all your energies into your careers!!!!"

Chapter 3 Dad's New Windows

2007-09-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

Dad's telling Grandpa and Mel about the new windows he and Ted installed this past week.

"Top of the line aluminum clad double hung windows that tilt inward so Mom will have an easier time wiping them down. I have to say, I really appreciated Ted's help. I'm not as young as I used to be." Dad rumbled.

Tammy has had a busy first week of junior year at college. She's working toward a teaching degree. Mom's been volunteering at the library and hopes there will be a job opening by the time the twins start first grade.

Grandma exclaims, "You young women! In my day we worked until we married, then we worked at making a happy home for our husbands."

Mom and Tammy sigh.............

Upstairs Pepper and Patti are playing quietly with Pepper's new doll. Patti wants to brush her curls. Pepper wants to find a cardboard box and Mom's scrap bag to make the dolly a bed.

Dad's brother sent little Pete and Salty new jerseys and a football.

The boys love going to watch Ted's team play on Friday nights. They know they can make some of the plays that the big boys do. Salty is holding the ball while Pete gets ready to kick.

They've forgotten that Mom tells them not to play with balls in the house.....

They've forgotten that Dad and Ted replaced their bedroom window yesterday.....

Chapter 8 Alex Scares The Men

2007-09-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

The older kids are watching a little television, winding down from their busy first week of school.

The dishes are done, now its time for a little girl talk.

The babies are trying to figure out how to get out of the baby cage.

In storms Alex. She tosses her briefcase on the table and declares, "I want a word with your husbands!!!!"

"Esme dear," she continues "I just cannot believe that a 'business slash golf' trip can last 4 years!"

"Sister, when the big SC shows his face, he and I are goint to have a discussion about moving him into the 21st century."

"Where are the other guys?" she questions Emme, Elissa and Tyler.

Meanwhile out in Basil's shop.....

Basil is griping to the guys, " I work all day, come home to a crying baby, Riley wanting to be held and Marley practicing on that *#*!! pink guitar. Then Emme tells me she'd like me to work on some furniture out here!"

Matt comiserates, "I feel for ya man....Can't stay and help though. Elissa has a movie she want to watch tonight. She's going to make real popcorn with butter."

"I have to give my truck a tune-up," drawls Pete. "Then I need to head home to my own chores. Tyler wants me to help her with the steps she learned at dance class this week."

They hear the door bang open and slam shut.

"WHERE ARE YOU NEANDERTHALS?" Alex hollers.

"All of you should be ashamed of yourselves. You have wonderful, good women trying to take care of your children and your homes. Then they try to carve out a little time for their careers. Do you help them?!?"

She points at Matt.

"Elissa could be a recognized specialist in Pediatrics and yet she spends three days a week scrubbing your toilets!"

Then she turns her evil glare on Pete. "And you could listen to Tyler's request that you adjust your trucking slightly so she can concentrate more on building her modeling agency."

Poking a finger into Basil's chest, she demands, "Basil, did you know Emme has a waiting list for room redecs three pages long! She has a wonderful sense of color and dimension. While you are more interested in her wonderful cooking than in her reputation as a designer!"

The outside door bangs open and slams shut

The guys don't know what to think. They thought their wives were happy.....

Chapter 2 Tammy's House

2007-09-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

Evening Sept.3

Mom's giving the twins a bath.

They talk about the fun times they had this summer.

Wrestling in the backyard...

and wresting in their bedroom.....

Patti & Pepper decide what to wear for their first day of 1rst grade.

Tammy's making hot cocoa, so the little kids will sleep.

Dad, Mel and Ted are fascinated with the new console television

All the while, Mom is trying not to cry about

her babies going off to Nursery School.

Chapter 7 The Many Families of Emme's House

2007-09-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

Riley, Emme, Ellery (a little chip off his daddy's block), Basil, Silly Old Hound Dog and Marley
Elissa, Matt, Daniel Jim and Marybeth

Sister Claus

Rowan, Pete, Tyler and Baby

Jada, Jessamyn and Esme

Cousin Alex

Dad's Family Portrait

2007-08-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

A visit over at the Tammy family home

Dad is trying to get one good picture of the family enjoying the lake. He took his tripod out into the water hoping to be able to have a wide enough angle to get everyone in the picture. The first photo was bad, the twins Pete and Salty are hidden.

The second photo is better. Ted dragged the little boys' fort down to the edge of the water so they could slide and splash. Pepper is wanting to take the raft out. Tammy and Mel are canoodling out behind the big pine. Mom is ready with a beach towel. Grandpa and Grandma are enjoying the new beach chair. Grandma loves the color. Grandpa is griping about cup holders. Grandma tells him to hush.

Fortunately, the Turner family has extensive beach front property. Grandpa couldn't find his trunks and came out 'as is'. Mom is starting to worry about him. He just hasn't been himself all summer.

Mom told Dad that none of his pictures are straight.

He said, "The pics can be cropped at photoshop."

Mom said, "but will they look right for our Christmas Card?"

Dad said, "OH, LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Esme's Cousin Alex

2007-08-26T21:33:00.001-07:00

It is lunch time in the St. John household. Emme keeps nagging Basil that they need to get a longer table. The four little ones, Daniel Jim, Rowan, Riley and Jada have to squeeze together on the bench. Marley and Marybeth have to share a chair. Which is another problem. They don't have enough chairs for everyone.

Emme's finishing up at the range. Elissa is pouring coffee. Esme is feeding Ellery and Jessamyn. Which is another problem. They need a second highchair. Jessamyn is sharing crispy rice cereal with Silly Old Hound Dog.

To Esme's surprise, in comes her cousin Alex moving at her usual speedy pace. She has an important job as a municipal planner and is never without her briefcase or phone.

Alex just doesn't understand why Esme only wants to teach part-time at the nursery school. Or why Tyler spends so much time at home, when she has a busy modeling agency to manage. Or why Elissa works only two days a week in her medical practice. Or why Emme works Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at her interior design shop. And Sister Claus......Alex will never understand catering to any man the way Sister pampers Santa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alex is just right for stirring up some tension in Basil's happy life. And just right to give Matt some uncomfortable discussions with Elissa. And just right to give Esme's husband reason to stay away longer on his business/golf trip. And just right to keep Tyler's husband, the long-haul trucker, on the road. And absolutely perfectly right to give Santa cause to stay out in the barn currying the reindeer til long after Sister has fallen asleep...............

This set of doll dishes belonged to my grandfather's little sister. Aunt Bessie was born in 1907, so the dishes are probably 95 years old.

The Next Installment

2007-08-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

When we left the dollhouse last week, Baby was trying to get out of her carrier.

What a difference a week can make! Soon Baby will be climbing the furniture.

Basil is video-ing and Matt is encouraging Baby to crawl to him.

Tyler is so excited! She was beginning to think Baby was a late bloomer.

While everyone is occupied, Silly Old Hound Dog is pondering the remote. It would have a satisfying crunch and yet the buttons have that bounce back motion.....

The New Television

2007-08-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

The guys are fascinated with the new tv that Basil and Emme just bought. It has on screen programming. They found a fishing show. Basil and Matt are discussing whether they should go to look at a new fishing boat tomorrow.

Basil is keeping a tight grip on the remote. Emme told him that if he changed the channel one more time, she was hiding the dratted thing. Little Daniel Jim is doing male bonding with his daddy Matt and Uncle Basil.

Emme, her sisters, Sister and Elissa, and friends she loves like sisters, Esme and Tyler are talking computers, new clothes, the neighbors, kids' school clothes, new fat free recipes, new shoes.........with the ridiculous notion that the men are watching the babies.

Meanwhile, Tyler's bald headed baby girl is learning to crawl out of her little carrier. No one has noticed

Tyler really needs to pick a name for the child. She can't go off to nursery school being called Baby!

No one has noticed except for Ellery, but being a baby himself, he's cheering his little baby friend on. Silly Old Hound Dog is so patient with the babies. Emme wasn't sure a hound was the right kind of pet for her family. Now of course, she loves him.

The Very Nice UPS Man Brought Sister Claus!!!!

2007-08-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

After work this afternoon Emme picked Sister up at the airport. Sister tries to get away for a week or so before busy season starts at the North Pole.

Elissa has so many plans for Sister, Emme and herself. She wants to do some shopping, have tea at the hotel one afternoon, drive over to visit the the Sleeping Bears National Lakeshore park and climb the dunes, have a ladies only movie and popcorn evening, etcetera and so on.

All the kids are ecstatic to see Aunt Sister. They have so much fun with her. She lets them do almost anything they want. Daniel Jim is disappointed that Uncle Santa couldn't get away from work.

Basil and Matt don't want Sister to bring toys for the kids. They want the children to appreciate Sister, not the toys she has access to. Sister was up in the attic at home and found this old hand crank sewing machine. She thought to spend time with Marybeth and Marley sewing.

The kids finally settled down after dinner. They went off to play, leaving the adults to visit. As usual, Sister needs to cuddle the babies. Silly Old Hound Dog knows Sister must have a ginger bread man cookie in her pocket. She smells delicious.

Emme Is Almost Finished With Her Kitchen Make-over

2007-08-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Emme stopped in at Michael's Arts and Crafts yesterday afternoon. She found two styles of unfinished dressers that she liked. Then she hurried over to Ben Franklin's and found a house shaped shadow box.

Emme took a shower to wash the paint out of her hair. She painted the dresser, shadow box and her table and chairs. She just has to stop to look at her new china cupboard.

Basil is supposed to be feeding the baby a snack. Obviously little Ellery isn't cooperating with his daddy.

Emme's nagging Basil to hurry. They are going to the drive-in this evening. Emme's sister, Elissa is going to watch the children so they can have some time to themselves.

Several days later...Emme has to go into work this afternoon and things are hectic. The sitter is late, she can't find her pink shoes and Riley decided she wanted to drink her milk in a pretty cup