Monday, May 24, 2010

My Birthday Cake



I had a great birthday, but the highlight was receiving this cake from a good friend of mine Natalie. I guess she and Chris had talked at church about it. He thought of the racing chair concept and she made it happen in a couple hours. It was incredible. And very very yummy.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Pregnancy = Nesting = Projects

With the third baby on the way, I want to get myself organized and start "programs" in our home that will help us all develop good habits. We have a simple chore chart, FHE planner, calendar, at home education objectives, and my favorite - The "I'm Bored" Board. Which is the board with 4 pockets, each one has a different label - with Mom, with Sibling, with family, and by yourself. It will have cards with the different activities the kids can do around the house when they are completely out of ideas.

Because Alex goes to a public montessori school, they handle their classtime a little differently. Instead of receiving instruction throughout the day, they have a good block of "work time" where they can choose different "works" (which are activities set up around the room) Each week his teacher puts different picture clues in his "work not done" folder and he can look in there when he thinks he is out of work to do. These all need to be completed by friday each week. It helps her to direct his learning and challenge him appropriately. I hope these boards can be used in a similar way at home.

$2 antique garage sale lamp renovated to fit a standard light bulb
My Latest Painting


Large photos mounted on foam core and cut at an angle to look like they're floating

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Belly Pictures



So I realized that I have never taken designated belly shots for any of my pregnancies. So here is my belly at 23 weeks. Just in case you were wondering.

Mary Free Bed Art Exhibit


After church today we drove to Grand Rapids to attend the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital's Annual Art Exhibit Reception. It was exciting to see my painting up on display. The hospital bought it so it will be there for years to come.

It was only in that first moment of seeing it up - in public - that it occured to me that I painted myself with no clothes. The hallways of the hosptial were full of people.

I am slowly easing myself into life as an artist. This meet and greet atmosphere was a good example of what I'm not used to. For so long I have kept myself safe in the world of practicing technique but never finishing a piece, naming it, signing it, selling it. I think I am ready for that world now. I certainly enjoyed today.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Aaron's 4th Birthday

Aaron turned 4 yesterday and it was the best day ever. Chris took the day off work, rode bikes in the morning, got Alex off to school, took Aaron to the zoo and to see a movie. Chris and Aaron came home to a surprise party. Which Aaron met with mixed emotions. All the kids jumped out and said "surprise" - Aaron said "That was too loud!" and then he cried. Until he saw his presents of course. Then the party was on.




This morning, Aaron was ready to assemble his Lego Buzz before breakfast. They had a great morning.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Aaron, our little man

Aaron dressed up for Easter. (and looks pretty happy about it) I love these shots of him looking at himself in the mirror. His face is priceless. Thank you Grandma!




Thursday, April 1, 2010

MSU Butterfly Garden

We took advantage of the 75 degree weather on the first day of spring break. We went to the MSU children's gardens and butterfly exibit with the Richardsons. The pictures speak for themselves. We had a great time. It was an afternoon of fun - all for free. I highly recommend it.


Ike did not like the black and yellow butterfly next to his head.