The day after...

Hurricane Christmas
The eye of the storm passed through this house at roughly 5 am. Damage was limited to flying debris. We escaped structural damage but storm shock has set in and naps are in order.

Two more days...

Headed to the Magic Game.

Christmas Art Exhibit Dec. 24.

View paintings by local artists. Exhibit open 5:00 to 8:00 Christmas Eve. Refreshments will be served and entertainment provided. Some paintings may be available for purchase.

A vain attempt.
It is never an easy task,
but somewhat interesting,
and for the most part challenging.













Eventually I threaten them and they tire of torturing me. After this I take another photo and send it to you.
And that is the rest of the story.

Merry Christmas to all!

Hanging out with friends.

OK, this is just one of those stories that needs to be told...
Lake Mary JV Rams vs. Lyman Greyhounds. 3.6 seconds left in the game, score is tied. Intentional foul called and Rams get 2 shots, miss both, 1.6 seconds in the game, foul called and Greyhounds get 2 shots, make both, buzzer, game goes to Greyhounds. BUT WAIT! Technical is called on Greyhounds coach, 2 shots for the Rams, make 2. Now we go into overtime. Austin scores two, a foul shot is made and Rams lead by 3. At the buzzer the Greyhounds put up a 3 point shot, hits the rim, Rams game by 3. Hold your breath, yes the game is really over. Austin celebrates and Jim and I head for home to recover.

Back in time...

Our study of the Middle Ages was brought to life at Medievel Times last night. We knew that Spanish Andalusians were the chosen mount for knights and royalty since the 11th century but watching them in a quadrille made it apparent why. They are so strong and brave yet even tempered and graceful.
Our walk through the village brought us to a blacksmith that showed us how he makes chainmail and swords. We traveled further and learned more then we wanted to know about dungeons. The show was great fun. The knights galloped around doing great things while we cheered and got sloppy eating chicken with our fingers. Leah and Ashley were so medievel acting that we had to move down the bench to avoid dirty looks. We each had our favorite knights. This is Ashley's and the other is mine.

A good recipe for fun:


a warm fuzzy pony
2 cousins
and a cool night.

Unlocking the mysteries one element at a time.

Always an adventure...The search for the perfect Christmas tree took place last night. I was happy to have big, strong Austin there to manhandle the trees.

Yes Austin that tree sap is a bit sticky.
Ashley and Austin thought it would be a good idea to bury Andrew among the 10 footers. Hmm.
Next I found him in the barrel. (Oscar?) Not to worry he is now safely home and so is our new tree named Twiggy.

Let's get this party started!

The annual Mancuso-Mullen football game proved to be very exciting with great plays on both sides.

Ashley and Austin win my potatoe peeling award. I left the kitchen and came back and we had enough potatoes for the 82nd airborne.

Turkey is in the oven. The annual "Mancuso stomps the Mullens" football game begins at high noon. Check back for the gorry details.

GO RAMS!
JV Rams won again. Austin played great and we all screamed and stomped MAN-CU-SO (He said he couldn't hear us but we had a good time.) It was a very exciting game.
Chillin in the cafeteria afterwards was fun too.

They WON!
Lake Mary Rams defeated the Lake Howell Silver Hawks last night. Austin said it was close the entire game and came down to a basket at the buzzer. Next game is tonight against Cypress Creek. I decided not to torture him with a photo this morning but, just so you know, he was fixed up. In his words "I look like Mr. Rogers in this sweater". Good luck tonight Austin!

Game Day!
Austin Plays in his first high school basketball game at Lake Howell today at 7:00. Good Luck Austin!

The Holiday Season is HERE!

Andrew and his friend, Tanner, worked on a banner to carry in the holiday parade.


The crowd was very appreciative! Especially these three.

















Who is this mysterious santa scout?

Ok Let's just say this pic makes me laugh and I thought I would share it with you in spite of the flack I will catch on this end.

Only a girl...



can get a boy...
to spend this much

time on the phone.