littleblakebook

Eddie Izzard - Learning French

This is a hilarious sketch by Eddie Izzard. It's about high school French... and you will love it. Promise. That is if you have even first year french. You'll laugh. ADB and I got into Eddie Izzard when we lived in London. I'd forgotten just how funny he is. I'm going to find my favorite clip, and post that one as well.

Kauai Kristmas!

Back from two weeks in Kauai. Think this is my new fave Hawiian Isle. Notwithstanding the horrible radio station selection. I swear the Reggae station had a play list of maybe 10 songs. I started to dream some of them, I heard them so much. To say the entire vacay was filled with joy, would be disingenuous. I'll say, however, that it was still pretty great. No complaining... at least not with a straight face. Kids had an awesome time. We were in Haena, which is a little off the beaten path... and about four single-lane bridges beyond Hanalei. We met some great people, and even ran into our first cousin Michael McDonnell and his family. In fact, we were kind of amazed how how many people we ran into. Never knew Kauai was such a destination hol for so many folks. I've put an album to the side. I'll be updating it with pictures that Kellen and Madison took as well. I'm in charge of making the book, and I know they had a million great photoz. So, watch this space. 

Some Catch Up

I've been, literally, uploading all day. I've recently switched to a Mac. So, I'm able to do some new things... namely, upload photos to my MobileMe gallery. Folks can download the photos. It's great for me because I'm often taking many pictures of kids at school or activity or even pals out on the town. I won't have to remember to print them out. I can just upload'em, and people can chose to take them or not. Win/Win.

I've been trying to catch up with some photographic things... Such as Lily's last birthday. It was in September. If you're thinking that it's a little lax of me to be posting them in NOVEMBER, then you can imagine how punctual I've been with her birthday party. Mother of the Year, right here.

We've been going with the story that it's a busy time of year and that we'll do a non-birthday-birthday in March. 

Here is a photo of Lily getting her greatest wish for her birthday, a real iPod. We feel guilty about this, but let me tell you, she adores it. She's got the soundtrack to Grease, Hairspray, High School Musicals 1-3. It's all good.

Oh, and then... sometime after the birthday. It was an October zoo visit. Fun for the whole fam. Got a cute photo of the kids, over by the elephants. Pierce really does not enjoy the picture taking process. I'll just put that out there.

Because Too Much Choice is a Good Thing, Right?

Just wanted to publish a link to my mobile me photo site. It's a Mac thing and I'm trying to figure it out. I haven't published much. I'll probably still post to Flickr, and here. I'm behind on photos, I know, but I'm working on it. 

http://gallery.me.com/china.blake

The only one I believe in

The last few weeks have been embarrassing for the political class.  No one seems qualified to even explain the mess.

But Jim Himes is someone I believe in.  Yeah, we might be in different parties, but this guy is as impressive as it gets.  And by the way, as a former Goldman banker and current affordable housing developer, he is actually literate in the two issues that are driving the crisis.

And that beats ideology anytime.

Here he is in the NYT: 

Get behind him.

If you think we need better talent in DC, here's the first draft choice.

Get Your Summer Photos Here!

Well, I've finally edited most of these... while I should be doing other things. Like cleaning the house and filling out the emergency forms for the kids, but I digress.

The kids have just started school. Pierce has officially joined the school aged set, and we are very (sniff-sniff) proud of him. Lily is in second grade with her same teacher from last year. She's the grooviest. We are so happy to have her for another year. Sadly, for most of Lily's male classmates, her teacher will soon have a new man in her life. End of October is when her baby boy is due. So, it's sure to be a big year.

I've put an photo album to the side, entitled Reno Summer 2008. I didn't really take tons of pictures, this Summer. Only broke the big camera out for a few days at the ranch. Otherwise, just carted the lil one around a took a few snaps when I thought of it. Mostly, I didn't think of it, which is why it's a pretty lackluster representation of my friends and fam, but there you have it.

Remember, if you'd like to see the photo bigger and badder, just double click on the picture. Then, voila! Big picture. No need to search for your bi-focals.

Our Pal Tom

Although Morrissey may disagree, we love it when our friends succeed.  One of the best people we know.

Father's Day!

Just a little photo for Dad on his special Day!

Another Year -- Another NE Recital

June 2008 brings another dance recital. This year's number was "Ease on Down the Road" from the popular hit show, "The Wiz."

Here are the girls in all their glory...

Before the show and on-stage.

Lily's teacher from 1st grade came to see the show. She's the best, and we're so excited because she has decided to follow the class from first grade to second grade. Two years of Mrs. Belk. Yay.

And, here's Lily, after the show...

After all the numbers are performed, the entire dance company goes out on stage for the grand finale. Here is Lily and her pal, awaiting their cue.

PFB 5th Birthday Cake

Chaos and love. That's what it's all about.