Uncle Mike helps Art administer a shot to Lucky’s mouth.

My mom Nan finally had her power during on after more than a week of living in darkness. Fayetteville (Ark) was devastated by an ice storm, as evidenced by the photos she just sent (posted below). If you want to write her a sympathetic e-mail saying how proud you are of her for making it through, her e-mail is nyarnelle@gmail.com

her backyard.


the street leading to her home. She said it looked like a war zone with trees fallen everywhere.

I took Art to school today, my first time to go in the morning. Ms. Wendy is really a great teacher and friend to him. He was upset briefly when I left, but as Jessica does, I made a few funny “jokes” as I walked out, walking into a wall and tripping over myself. He laughed, and I have a feeling is having a great day. Today’s letter is “K”, so for show and tell Arthur wanted to bring a picture of Carma (we didn’t tell him we spell it with a ‘C’). He actually said that on his own this morning. “Carma starts with a K!”


Art asks Ms. Wendy to fix a toy.

Yesterday we finally had Jessica’s birthday-observed dinner and cake (her real birthday is Dec 26th!). Bubbe came over made an completely delicious dinner of chicken scampi and a superb pound cake (requested by Jessica). Thanks, Bubbe.

Last night I set my alarm for 5:20am so I could wake up before Lewis (he's been sleeping in 'til around 6 lately) and have a little Jessica-time to start the day.  Guess who was up and smiling at 4:30?  Actually, both of us.  I couldn't resist chuckling at the irony of being beat to the alarm the first day I set it.  And I got my Jessica time because Ben entertained Lew for 15 minutes while I stretched a little and did my thing.

This isn’t entirely family related, but I wanted to alert folks that starting Monday February 16th there will be a week-long ebay auction for 11×14 signed prints featuring the images below. All are from Minnesota photojournalists and the money raised will be used to support our annual convention in the Twin Cities this spring. I’ll re-post a reminder and send out annoying e-mails when the auction starts!