Devlin and Lawanda have moved out. I hated to see them go, but the house was getting pretty full. They were both a great help when the twins were little, but now that they are out and about, they always seem to be underfoot. It doesn't help that Mother and Dad's ghosts appear almost every night and move things around. I can never seem to find my cookbooks.

Catrina and Leanna insist on doing almost everything together, from playing in their room, to doing their homework. They even insisted on one big bed when they graduated out of their cribs, they refused to have 2 single beds. They're both doing really well in school, as are Russ and Brandon.

Russ took a school trip to France. He learned nectar making and furthered his knowledge of gardening. He has decided he wants a career in the Science field. He found out from the school counselor that he would need to learn gardening and fishing and handiness to really advance in that career so he has been focusing himself to those skills.

Delores has started training people at the gym. I don't think she gets paid for it, I think she just likes telling people what to do, and with the kids in school and me at work, this gives her a place to get that out of her system.

I was promoted to Five-Star Chef at the Bistro. I couldn't be prouder of my accomplishments. I do think that the car and driver are a bit pretentious, but it does save me time getting to work. Delores was thrilled with the promotion. She asked me the other day if I had made my will yet. It seemed like an odd question out of the blue like that...

Our second child came again in the middle of the night. It seems to be a trend with us. Delores had spent all day at the spa. I don't know what they did for her there, but I do know that they hurt my wallet. Delores assured me everything was ok, but she seemed in such agony that I rushed her to the hospital anyway.

I barely got the car parked before she had delivered Brandon and was ready to go home. I

guess she was right, everything was going fine. I couldn't risk the safety of my child and wife though, So I have no regrets.

Delores has taken much better to parenting than I had hoped. She loves to get down on the floor and play with Russ. She's done a great job of teaching him to walk and talk and read. She has recently taken up an interest in fitness. She's become an avid jogger. I admire her ambition but I think I'd rather watch a healthy cooking show on the TV.

It seemed like the blink of an eye before Brandon was all grown up. Delores wanted to continue using the rickety old metal crib my parents had bought when they couldn't afford better, but I put my foot down. It's just not safe for a toddler. Besides, having matching cribs looks much better in the nursery.

In anticipation of Russ and eventually Brandon needing real beds, I moved mine and Devlin's beds out of the attic and set up the second upstairs room for the boys. I let them pick the colors, which turned out alright. Delores was appalled at the money I spent, she only seems happy when money is being spent on her.

Devlin took another trip to Egypt. He said it was to research a book he was writing, but I found

this picture of a shopkeeper. I wondered if perhaps he had found a new love interest. It wasn't to be however.

Delores invited Lawanda to a party she threw and that seemed to be all the motivation Devlin needed to make his move again. I don't know what he sees in the girl. She came to the dinner party in a bikini! Insane or not though, she is great with the kids, and she makes Devlin happy so I'm happy for the both of them. I think they may be looking for their own place soon. I told him we could build on to this place, but he thought it best to start fresh. Lawanda said they'd stay until the new babies are a little older, she loves being around them.

Oh, did I forget to mention them? Delores blessed us with a set of girl twins! Catrina and Leanna. She didn't even wake me up when she went into labor. I had no idea she was having twins! She said she didn't either. The nursery is a little crowded right now,but all the children are heavy sleepers. I couldn't be a prouder daddy.

A Growing Family

Dad finally got the position at the TV station that he wanted, unfortunately he died the same night. He was on his computer in the study, working on a story about City Hall when the Reaper came for him. As I suspected he tried to get an interview before he left. He wasn't successful.








I commissioned a family graveyard in the back corner of the property. Delores chastised me for spending so much money, but you can't put a price on honoring the dead can you? Mom would have loved the roses and the cherry tree we moved the remains to.










Devlin has been fishing a lot lately, I think it helps him relieve the stress of writing when he isn't feeling inspired to paint. I had to stifle a laugh when I saw him fall on his arse when he was casting off the other night.







We turned Mother and Dad's room into a nursery for the baby. Devlin said he wanted their bed and dresser, he's acting so grown up now. We put the twin beds up in the attic and brought out our crib and toys from childhood. Delores insisted that we repaint them, I was kind of surprised she didn't want new ones, but she said that would be a waste of money.






Devlin has been great helping out with Russ while Delores recuperated. I wasn't able to take any time off work so it was a godsend to have him there. I think it might have started him thinking about starting his own family.









Mother and Dad's ghosts tend to visit us often. They usually head straight for the computer games or TV. It used to wake Devlin up, but now he's getting used to it.










Once Delores was feeling better, we went on the honeymoon we had put off before. With my recent promotions we had a much better time than we would have had if we'd gone right after our marriage vows. Is it odd that Delores didn't mention missing the baby once?








We both went on different adventures the first day. Judging by the state that I found Delores in when I returned to the Base Camp, I think her's didn't go well. She finished up faster then I did and joined me while I laid the remains of a lost priest to rest in the graveyard.










We spent the majority of our last day in France at the lake fishing. We even caught enough frogs to stock the pond at home. Frog legs anyone?









Devlin began courting a girl he's known since elementary school. They get along pretty well. It's too bad that he didn't realize that she was insane until after he asked her to marry him.










I can't say I'm very upset that she said no, but Devlin was devastated.












Since I needed a recipe for Falafel and couldn't find one locally, he offered to go to Egypt and get it for me. He apparently spent the entire trip after the shopping at a fishing hole, where he could clear his mind. I've not heard him mention Lawanda once since he returned home. I hope the infatuation dies and he can find someone else.

I finished my trip in France and came home to minor fame at school. I made a lot of friends, too many to be honest. I'd rather just stick to my own company thank you. I did meet a girl, more about that later.

Dad hasn't dealt well with Mother's death. He spends a lot of time mourning her. So much that her ghost sticks around in the morning to let him know things will be ok. I even caught him giving her ghost a kiss the other morning. I'm not sure if that's weird or sweet, but it seemed to help him.

Back to the girl, we met at school like I said, and then I invited her to my birthday celebration at the park. I wouldn't call it a party really. I was going to try and impress her with my fish and chips, but I wasn't used to the grill at the park, and ended up charbroiling everything. Devlin and his friend came too, but it wasn't a great party. I did get to talk to Delores however. I asked if she was single and she is! We talked well in to the night (it's nice not to have a curfew anymore!). Eventually I had to go but we said we'd talk again another time.

Dad went back to France on assignment. I'm sure it was bittersweet for him. He said he couldn't bring himself to stay at the base camp they had stayed at together, so he camped out by the lake and fished, and ate his meals at the cafe, while he worked on a book. I think he might have snuck into someone's house to bathe, though he didn't say.

He was more himself when he came home though, so that's good. He got another promotion at work, he's now the editor-in-chief! Only one more promotion to go before he is the Star news anchor. I hope he gets it, it's so fulfilling to see your parents reach their dreams.

I told Devlin that he should probably quit his part time job. He wants to be a writer and a painter. Neither of which is he learning by bagging groceries. Between Dad's and my income we can manage things around here. Besides he already has some royalty checks coming in so that should suffice. He wasn't sure about it, but went ahead and quit. The next day he was moaning about wanting a part time job again though. He'll get over it once he gets immersed in another book.

I ran into Delores again one night after work. she was lounging by the pool, and we talked for a long time. And then I bit the bullet and kissed her! I knew right then that I wanted her to be my wife, so I proposed to her, and we said our vows to one another on the spot! My parents had

done the same thing which is what gave me the idea. No point in giving her time to change her mind after all.

It's been blissful so far, she is learning to play the guitar, and cook and garden. With my work schedule the extra help is great. Not sure how long it will last, however, because last night she announced to me that I'm gonna be a Dad! I'm scared and excited and anxious all at once!

A loss

Dear readers, I regret to inform you of the passing of my Mother, Mary Winchell. Her passing was swift, and affected many lives. She left this world as she lived it, in the kitchen, cooking something delectable. You will be pleased to know, I'm sure, that she did reach her goal of putting together the premiere recipe collection. She even reached the top of the cooking world, earning the coveted master's certificate. I can only hope to follow in her footsteps.

My Dad has been distraught with worry, but still insisted that I follow through with the plan of going to France with a school trip. He said Mother would have been devastated if she thought she'd kept me from such a wonderful opportunity. I haven't been able to enjoy myself for mourning, but it has given me a connection with Mother that I didn't expect. We stayed in the same hotel that her and Dad stayed in when they came. After completing the interview that I was obligated to do while here, I decided to spend the rest of my time cooking. I only learned later, from the owner, that my mother had done the same thing when she was here, while Dad researched his article.

Devlin has begun high school himself. It's odd to see him in the hallways everyday, but it won't be for long I guess. His last birthday party was a grand event. Dad had just finished the pond and meditation area in the side yard. We added a picnic table nearby and it proved to be a lovely area for a party. After a massive game of tag, we all enjoyed birthday cake and the buffet table. Devlin has proved himself to be a grand writer. He already has 2 sci-fi books under his belt. He's started dabbling in painting too. Mother was so proud of him. It was great to see her so happy. I hope her passing so close to his birthday won't depress him overly much.

Dad is now a weatherman at the TV station. He still enjoys writing stories for the paper, but he loves this new found fame. I hope he can reach his goal of being a star anchorman soon. It would be nice for both parents to have fulfilled their dreams. It gives me hope that I can do the same.

Greetings readers, I am Christopher Winchell, son of Mary and Ian Winchell. I will be taking over this blog for now. Mother has been so busy with her gardening and cooking that she decided to turn this task over to me. I don't mind really, as it doesn't require me to actually talk to you, just write my story. I'm a bit of a loner, so I try to avoid any real relationships, much to Mother's chagrin. She keeps telling me that I need to meet a nice young girl so that she knows that my future is settled before she passes on. I hate to hear her talk that way, but my parents aren't young anymore, anyone can see that. They're great though, they've never really told me what to do, just let me go along at my own pace.
Even for my birthday Mother agreed to serve her Ratatoullie instead of a traditional birthday cake because she knew it was my favorite. Mother hovers a bit, but only because she doesn't have much to do since she quit the diner. Her first love was always staying home with me and my brother Devlin. Dad on the other hand is going to work until the Reaper comes looking for him, and even then he will probably try to interview him for the newspaper before he agrees to go with him.

I did get a part-time job at the Bookstore, so that I could at least let Mother think that I was meeting new people. Who knows, maybe I will?
The most ridiculous thing happened Friday night. I went to bed early, it had been a long week. I woke up early Saturday morning, about a quarter til 4 am, and decided to go across the road to get some early morning fishing in. The fish bite the best then. It never occurred to me that I was breaking curfew! I'd only been there a few moments before the cop pulled up. He made me get in the car and drove me around the corner back to the house. Dad had just gotten up, and came out to give me the riot act. Like he never did anything wrong. Mother said when they first met Dad was penniless and practically homeless! I wasn't doing anything wrong after all. He decided my punishment was to spend the day at the library. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, I guess. I spent the day reading cook books, and discovered that I loved it. I've decided I want to be one of those celebrity chefs, like they show on TV.

We did some expanding to the house. Dad wanted to add a basement for the nectar maker and nectar racks he picked up in France. They decided to add a room and a few feet to the living/kitchen room and my room. Of course I didn't expect that the reason they added to my room was so that Devlin could move in with me when he started school. The nursery will remain a play room for now. I guess it's all right, I'm really on here to sleep most days anyway. I am interested in checking out how the nectar maker works though.

It wasn't long, however, before Mother decided that with the expansion there as more than enough room in our bedroom for the toys to be in there and the playroom to be transformed into a second bathroom and an expansion for their bedroom. On the one hand I'm thrilled, no more waiting for Dad in the morning. On the other hand, I've outgrown having all these toys around. Maybe they'll let me move to the basement.

Rooming with Devlin wouldn't be SO bad if he wasn't such a slob! He never makes his bed or washes his own dishes. He leaves a puddle on the floor when he takes a shower. The toys are always strewn around the room. If it wasn't for the fact that he was my brother, I don't think I'd like him very much.

Dad finished his 5th book. A biography about some guy in town. He also got a promotion which helped with the building costs. He wants to reach the top of his career, and I admire that, but he doesn't realize he needs to start taking it easy. I hope he slows down soon.

Time and tide wait for no man, or so they say, and our family has been no different. Birthdays have abounded in our little brood. First was my own. I decided to meet my golden years with grace, and threw a formal party for a few close friends.

Everyone seemed to have a grand time, and they were all so cheerful wishing me a happy entrance into this new stage of life. I must say though, I was prepared for all the changes that would take place. It seemed in no time flat my hair turned completely white, and body parts began to sag.

It wasn't long before I carted myself in front of a mirror to darken my hair a bit. I'm not generally a vain person, but I was worried that people would think I was the baby's grandmother, not his mother, if I didn't do something quick.

Speaking of Devlin, he was the next to have a birthday. They grow up so fast. We just had a quiet family party for him. We had hoped that he would have a head full of hair like his brother, but so far he's not willing to show us what his hair will be like.

Christopher is growing into quite the bright boy. He has remained on the honor roll, and spends most of his time at home practicing with his ez bake oven, or building something on his block

table. He even took up fishing and goes out often before school to catch a few fish from the pond across the street. I've even caught him playing with his brother, and being a huge help by

emptying the potty chair. He loves to clean too, he's always straightening up in the bathroom and

kitchen when it needs it. I cherish these times while he's learning who he wants to be, it won't be long before he's a teenager, and we all know how unpredictable a time that can be.

Ian declared that instead of having a party for his entre into those golden years, that he and I were going to France to celebrate! It was more then I had ever hoped for. He told such wonderful

stories about his trip there, but I never thought we could afford for both of us to go. But he had been saving up and between his royalties from the books and articles he's been writing, and my maternity leave and now pension pay, with a little online deal shopping we were able to pull it off.

It was beautiful. Spending time with Ian away from the children was divine. It was like the honeymoon we never got to have! Don't get me wrong, I do dearly love my children, but I love my husband too, and with the little ones always underfoot and needing something we hadn't spent enough time together lately. He was starting to feel more like a friend than a lover. This trip to France cured that though, that's for certain.

I also got to spend quite a lot of time working on my culinary skills. Ian wanted to sharpen his photography skill so was off snapping pictures here and there for the newspaper. I picked up all the recipe books I could find in the local shops and set myself to fixing all of them in the Base Camp's kitchen. It was a glorious time, but too soon over. We got back home just in time for Ian to return to work, (he doesn't want to retire yet, still has stories to tell, ya know) and prepare for Christopher's teenage birthday.