What do you see?

OK - so I am trying to be a bit mysterious with this. Yes, obviously it is a stack of sweaters. It's $15 dollars worth of sweaters that I bought at the Goodwill, to be exact. 

So what would you do with a stack of second-hand sweaters and a sewing machine?

I will answer this question in tomorrows post. But until then, I want to know what you would do. Seriously.

Permission: Granted

Come for a visit at my art blog to see my latest mixed-media painting in its' entirety. I'll give you a peek here, but you'll have to link on over to see the whole enchilada. :)

And leave a comment while you are there. You know how much I love comments... :)

'round, 'round, get around, i get around

Talya's world has opened up now that she is walking. Apparently Carlos and I have consistently expressed how excited we are that she has conquered walking because she frequently stops and claps for herself, looking around with the expression, "Did you guys see that!?!"

Preschool Photos are In

Preschool photos have arrived and I must say that my little guy looks dashing. I have to admit - when Teacher John passed out the picture envelopes I was a little nervous about what I might see inside. Not to say that Matthew isn't the cutest thing going... but we have all had bad school photos. I certainly have.

So I was pleasantly surprised to see that they are perfect. 

What a big person he is becoming. School pictures are a big deal for a mom. It makes me remember to cherish every moment as it goes so fast. 

Have you stopped and counted your blessings today? What helps remind you to cherish every moment?

Do you see what I see?

I don't see any posts on my blog unless I click on a specific post in the archives. If anyone has this same problem please let me know so I can get it figured out. Thanks!

Meagan's Birthday Present

I have been chomping at the bit, wanting to share the birthday present I made for Meagan. I didn't want to post anything about it until I heard from her that she received it. Well... still no word and I just can't wait any longer Megs. 

This was my first mixed-media painting ever and I am so happy with how it came out. What fun it was to rummage through old ephemera to find background material to collage with. The photo is from a school dance (as if you can't tell), there is a postcard that Meg sent to my dad in 1995, and a page from my 7th grade journal for Mrs. Norton's class that talks about Chris G. and I sending Meagan balloons for her birthday. The bottom of the journal page says "Happy Birthday Meagan" How perfect is that!?!

I am hoping that this piece leads me to more mixed-media painting because it was so much fun.

You can find the detailed post here, on my art blog.

Sun-soaked Soul

Yesterday's sunshine nourished by soul. 

Signs of spring brightened my disposition.

I soaked it in until my heart was saturated with the beauty of it all. 

Overflowing.

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed

Luckily no one fell off and bumped their heads!

I'm obsessed with taking photos of feet right now...

The Rain Can't Stop Us

Some days you are urged to forget the weather and follow your spontaneous inspiration.

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. "

anonymous

Even cute liquified

I followed a link from jennlui to fun site that manipulates photographs called Befunky. There are so many fun things to try... I have got to go play...

http://www.befunky.com/photoApps.php?from=direct#imageURL=http://befunkyanonymous.s3.amazonaws.com/a12a8bbcfdec27aa145a35e017303be91234748372_4647.jpg&from=direct

Happy Valentines Day

I was showered with love today.

Flowers, chocolates, and handmade cards from my hubster and kids

Flowers and a card from my mommy

Love and support from my Artist's Way group (and more to come tonight!)

And a heart in the foam of my coffee from the Universe 

Matthew's BFF, Aden

Matthew found an instant friend at preschool named Aden. His teacher said that they were friends the minute class started. Their most recent play date was at SkateWorld, Matthew's first time roller skating. The setting was perfect as it was "toddler skate" so everyone there was five years old and under. Plus they had a mini-lesson, games, and prizes. 

Notice in the second and third photo that Matthew is crossing his fingers. I think that he's hoping he doesn't fall. 

Next, Matthew wants to have a sleep-over at Adens. I am more nervous about it than he is, I think. He is growing up so fast. Sleep-overs, a BFF, the roller skating rink.... I'm not sure I'm ready for all this! 

B-Boy

With Carlos coaching the 8th grade basketball team, Matthew has a renewed interest in basketball. I suppose it also helps that the weather was tolerable. Matthew consistently impresses me with his motor skills. He is only four years old after all. He can actually dribble and handle the ball effectively. It is such a pleasure to watch him practice and improve. 

Notice in the second photo both Carlos and Matthew are sticking their chins out. I've always wondered where Matthew got that from. Like father, like son. It is amazing how many idiosyncrasies we inherit from our parents.

Meagan and Erin - Do you remember a song that goes, "B-boys. I've been looking for your *** since a quarter past. Hot beans and butter baby come and get your supper....." I associate it with you Erin. Do you guys remember this or am I crazy? That was playing in my head as I uploaded these pics!?!

Snow and One-liners

It has been a wacky winter. Matthew asked why it was snowing so I told him that God knew he would like it. He replied, "Oh, cool. That was nice of her." Her. I like that. :)

While we were playing outside the mailman came. Matthew ran up to see what we got, or more specifically if there was anything for him, and when there wasn't he asked the mailman, "Why do you give out junk?"

Classic. Those two are going in the scrapbook for sure.

License to Drive

This car just showed up on our front lawn over a week ago. We figured someone else on the block owned it and "parked" it at our place to deal with some catastrophe, common when children are involved. But it sat there... and sat there... and sat there. So I inquired with the other moms and dads on the block and no one claimed it. 

The rule "finders, keepers" in now in effect. :)

Seeing as it was a BEAUTIFUL day here in Portland, Talya took her new ride for a spin. She looked like an old pro navigating this classic. Bet you've never met a 14 month old with a license to drive!?! Until now.