Even though Pip was not named for the main character in Dickens' Great Expectations, a lot of people think he is, especially when they learn that Benji and Karen are English teachers. Today we watched the 1946 movie version of this classic tale (Alex Guiness of Star Wars and Dr. Zhivago fame played a supporting role), and I learned that Pip was a kind and honorable person, so I'm ok with the assumption about his name. Actually, it's his nickname; his name is Jeremiah Silas, but they thought he might be a girl, and planned to name her Juliet Penelope, call her Pippi. They used that name when talking to him in utero. Then Pippi turned out to be a Pip and it stuck. Now I can't imagine calling him anything else.

Things have gone much smoother today at our house, now that the garbage disposal is working and the kitchen sink is draining. Gus and Jay-Jay have slept most of the day, which also helped. Gus had to be put in time-out this morning for snatching Pip's Pop-Tart and making him cry. I've spoiled them rotten by sharing whatever I eat with them, so they think everyone should. It's the only time I've heard him cry today. He's usually a very happy little boy. Bella and Phin had to go back to Memphis yesterday and start back to school today. They were not part of the stress that was getting to me. Sweet, well-behaved children are never stressful to this Gramma, and they are two of the best.

Tomorrow we're going to visit Jack. I hope she recognizes Benji. We may have to get her photo album out again like we did when Tara visited. Once she saw the pictures of the child Tara, then she knew who the adult Tara was.

Mary Ann sent some cute pictures made during their Christmas holidays. This one of Clay with their Shelties Maggie and Tucker is one of my favorites. Hard to believe he will be a teenager in June.