Virginia playing

I need to put up some pics and videos that show the kids playing and how much they have grown. It is a little long, but here is Ginnie, after she caught me trying to record her behind the table. (the weird buzzing goes away)

Ahhhh, I'm THAT word!

If you know me, you know I hate the word...... crafty. EW. I do art, not crafts. I don't mind the use of the word when you group functional art such as pottery, metal-smithing, and the like under the name of craft. That said, I despise raffia, popsicle sticks, pictures made with hand-prints and those cookie cutter projects for kids and grown ups.

Then comes life with pre-schoolers. Sunday school projects, pre-school projects and Moppets projects have eased me into the "I am glad the kids are learning fine motor skills like using scissors" frame of mind. Maybe a craft {shudder} or two {double shudder} will be ok. After all, I will teach them about REAL art because I am homeschooling. So HA world of crafts!

And.... then comes the reminder of my Mom saying I should paint bricks. Her love of Baltimore got her so excited about the idea to paint rowhomes on bricks. So, a year after she died, I did a few. It is really not that bad, even though it is too close to the line dividing art and craft. I still know that is takes skill to render an actual house on a brick, especially a custom replica of a real home.

And.... then comes the popularity of those darn baby sock bouquets. They are so easy to make, and add a lot to my baby shower gift (and poor wrapping skills). Plus, I like all the attention. Ladies love to ohhh and ahh over baby socks, so make them into little flowers and I am a rockstar. I just can't help myself.

So, today my little sock flowers were not sticking to the plastic stems. I had to pull out a brand-new, still in the box, hot glue gun! *gasp* I can't deny the word craft any longer. I feel like I surrendered to the enemy. I am trying to make the most of this downfall and also used it to fix Wedding day Ken's tie and a bow that had fallen off a headband. But I know I have crossed that line.

I think I need to get out my paints and make some real art. Someone help please!!

First Homeschool Fail (one of many, I'm sure!)

This week was learning about the sun. One of our projects was to make raisins by leaving grapes in the sun. On day 2 I forgot to bring them inside for the night and it rained. Any little wrinkles that began to show got all plumped up again by sitting in a plate of rainwater! So, we talked about the raisins she ate in her oatmeal and found a video online instead. Sigh.

First homeschooled week (update)

So, I don't know if I was too embarassed to admit this, or I just forgot. But I'm admitting it now. Livia had me stumped on day 5. Each day we are covering a day of Creation. (Day 1- light, Day 2- water, Day 3-land to separate the water, Day 4- the sun and moon, Day 5-birds and sea animals) She knows what is left for Day 6, land animals and Adam and Eve. After thinking on that, she asks me:

Since penguins and ostriches don't fly, did God make them on Day 5 or Day 6?

What? I have no idea. I went with the old stand by and said, I guess we will have to ask God when we get to heaven. This is Kindergarten! I should know these answers!!!

Some Vacation highlights

Every other year we have a baby, and every other year we go on vacation. :) Since this was a "no baby" year, we accepted the invitation to spend a week with the Krawczyk's in Lake Placid. They graciously open their mountain home to us and other families for an incredible experience. This year Kim and Brandt went too. It was amazing!

Mt. Joe

I think Ginnie wanted FULL control of the boat.

No one will ever convince Marcy that Duncan is a dog and not a baby. I think he likes it anyway.

Brandt was a fishing fool! Every time he dropped the line, he caught one immediately.

Cool and refreshing swim in Lake Saranac

Peaceful exhaustion.

Beach time at Lake Clear

An afternoon of shopping/napping in downtown LP

We caught a red salamander!

We made and followed a treasure map. Found the treasure- sparkly green rocks!

Brisk mornings and evenings!

Cheese'n

The last family picture (that was not professional) was taken last summer at our church picnic. It is becoming a nice tradition.

Big George

George's first day of Pre-School!!!