Happy Birthday E!!!

Today we woke up early to start celebrating E's 11th birthday. He loved the binoculars and new clothes he got. He also scored the 4th book in the Olympian Series, "The Battle of the Labryinth". He has really loved the other 3 books and I am sure will enjoy this one. Our boy has only a few short months of elementary school left, then he will move on to the crazy world of middle school. Love ya, Bud!

I Love Digital

There are so many reasons why I love digital photography. Today I was reminded of that one of the biggest reasons is that you do not have to pay for film. Miss H helped herself to my camera today and managed to take 125 pictures before I realized she had it. I was very grateful it wasn't the new camera, but still, a 7 year old running free with a large camera scares me. I do realize after seeing her work that I should plan more photo moments for her to "go wild" with her creativity. I love the fact that she includes her self in pictures. Something most photographers rarely do. And can you tell we are happy that it is flip-flop weather!?!

There & Back Again

4 women, 12 days, 1382 pictures, 225 churches, 10 castles, 1 concentration camp, over a dozen cities, WAY too much food, and an insane amount of luggage. It all adds up to a fabulous Germany/Austria vacation. We had a blast! I am so glad to be home.

Hammy Spammy

My darling little girl just loves our new friend Jamie. Last night she made a really special card for Jamie. It is a keeper!
Here's what it said:
To Jammy, (Jamie)
I love you so much.
I always have.
Like the beach
Or a good boob (book)
Or the beach.
Oh, jest forget about IT!
This is why we love our Hammy Spammy. I think its a great compliment to Jammy, don't you?

Whatever The "Case" May Be

I wanted to share this fun craft idea. These little cases are made from snack-size zipper baggies and a dollar store potholder. Just position the bags in the center. You will want to overlap the ends about 1/2 inch in the center of what you want to be the inside of the potholder. I alternate baggies, one on the left, then one that opens to the right. I have found 8 baggies to be about the max you should sew in. The biggest trick is to line up the baggies then not have them slip as you sew. I used a pin on each end (start and stop point) where the seam will be. Be patient with this process then straight stitch and voila! Sew a fun button to close with the loop. (Make sure to get potholders with the loop in the center. I have seen them on the corner and that doesn't work!) I used 2 of the cases to pack my jewelry for my trip to Germany. I made one for each of the girls going on the trip too. They make a great 1st aid kit for your car, or coupons...Whatever the case may be!!! This would be a great compliment to Missy's placemat bags!

We Love Boxes

My kids have always loved empty boxes. They make masterful creations with empty boxes. One box can last for days and days. They cut, paint, tape, cut some more. I love watching their creative ideas expressed in box art. Today Miss H had to have this particular empty box. I came into the living room to find my 12 1/2 year old sitting in the box. He's always done this. I think it is so cute that he still enjoys climbing into the box.

Signs of Spring

I love spring. I love flowers, birds singing, pastel colors, and little baby animals. However, this is the reality of spring at our house. MUD. Lots of mud. We are surrounded by farm land. Beautiful lovely fields. We have a pond. The neighbors have a pond. There is a canal at the edge of our property. There are just too many, irresistible opportunities for mud. This year is a particularly wet spring too. G came in the other night with mud up to his knees and only 1 shoe on. When I asked him where his shoe was, he simply replied "It's buried in the swamp. It's too deep. I can't find it." In case you are wondering, yes, these are school shoes. With any luck that little shoe will take sprout and grow a shoe tree so we can keep our kids' feet covered.