Splashing in the Sprinkler

Yes, they really did run through the sprinklers when it was only 68 degrees outside. I should add that it was a gorgeous 68.

I love the firsts of spring/summer. The first time Carlos has to mow the lawn. The first time I can wear a dress or skirt without tights. The first flowers blooming. And, naturally, the first tromp through the sprinklers. (Not to mention the gorgeous photos made possible by better and more natural light.)

To my fellow bloggers reading this, I have to tell you about Picnik, the web-based application that I used to create this collage. I heard about it during an e-course that I took recently and this was my first time using it. And boy was it EASY, FAST and FREE. I created my account, uploaded these photos, and created the collage in under 15 minutes. I will definitely be using Picnik over Picasa from now on. Check it out.

Please note, that I used the free version but there is an upgrade available, for $24.95 per year. I am considering upgrading because I think the price is reasonable and I've heard great things about it.

They're crafty

I love watching Matthew and Talya create. Children are spontaneous and free in their art, something that adult artists have to strive for. It is obvious that the process is more important to them than the product. I try to steer clear of my adult programming while they are crafting, not allowing myself to worry about the mess I'll have to clean up. Yes, even when Talya is clapping her paint-covered hands together, splashing paint in places yet to be discovered.

love note

On the 26th of April, Carlos and I will have been together for nine years. Thankfully, I love him more and more as time goes by. To avoid becoming complacent in our relationship, I sneak in love notes here and there, to surprise him and remind him that he's my main squeeze. This one will greet him when he returns home from work.

Often I wish I could ask her what she is thinking. A part of her personality it very intense and contemplative. It is curious to watch and daydream about what she is focusing on and what she thinks about. I also wonder how much she will reveal once she is able to communicate freely. I see her maintaining a degree of mystery and reserve throughout her life.

Writing this makes me question my idiosyncrasies as a child, what traits my mom identified in me when I was young and how she thought they would translate as I grew into adulthood.

I was recently reading about a father who keeps what he calls a "Legacy Letter." Daily, he writes a quick something regarding whatever is on his mind or currently going on in their lives. What prompted him to start the log was the fact that his parents didn't remember specifics when he became interested in knowing what life was like, and what he was like, when he was a child. The log was his solution to the possibility that he may forget the details eventually.

What a brilliant (and dedicated) idea. And what a treasure it will be to that kid, when he receives it.

rock star