Artwork

I have been wanting to post some of the paintings I have been working on for a while but have just now gotten all the pictures together. I still have 2 or 3 that need to be photographed (hopefully better quality than the ones I am going to post). I also have a couple that are in the works that should be done soon. I started painting probably 3 years ago but have done a lot in the last year. I really enjoy seeing things come to life on the canvas but don't really know the techniques just yet. I am replicating a lot of things to gain some experience. I enjoy watching Bob Ross and a couple of other painting instructors on TV even though I don't personally care for any of their styles. It has given me a bit of an understanding as to how to get started anyway. I have done some originals which has been fun, I guess probably and equal mix of originals and replicas. The painting you see above, "Rustic Pear" was one I did for the Portland Symphony's annual auction. A lady that I used to do some gardening for actually ended up buying it so that was really great.

Time with Ruth!

We got to spend a lot of time with Ruth and Leah over the past four days. Jessica was in the hospital with a fever that wouldn't go away so we got to help with the kids. It was so much fun. The "big" girls had a blast playing together and all the girls enjoyed playing with Ruth. She is such a happy baby. All you have to do is talk to her and she lights up with all the smiles. Noel and Sydney had a great time making Ruth laugh and they even set up a baby daycare with signs on the door and everything.

Kindergarten!

Big Girl On the BUS!
Here comes the Bus!
All ready for school!
The Sign says it All!


Well, here we are! It's so hard to believe that it's time for school already! She came down the stairs this morning all dressed and ready to go for school at 7:15am. She is in afternoon kindergarten, which is nice for me because that is Sydney's naptime. She got on the bus around 12pm with her friend Savannah who is in her class and also is a redhead. They hopped right on the bus and did great. Savannah's mom and I drove and met them at the school and walked them to their class where they found a seat and started playing with blocks. I think she is going to love it. I can't say that I'm proud that I didn't cry, I really think I would've but I was a little distracted, thankfully! What a big day..............and what a big girl!

Girl's Night Out!

We had a really fun time at the Girl's Night out at church last week! They decorated the Kidz Life building all up in girly stuff with Pink everywhere. The girls dressed in their princess dresses and glass slippers and got to get their hair done up fancy, their nails painted and we got to make pretty boxes and tutu's. It was so fun, a little chaotic, but very worth it. There were about 90 girls (of all ages) that came that night.

Daddy's 31st Birthday!

Ben, Teresa, Noel and Sydney hangin' out!
Stephani and little Ella Girl!
The Birthday Boy!
The Gang celebrating outside!

Daddy turned 31 so we decided to celebrate Daddy-style! Good friends and good food were on the menu. Our friends Kevin and Stephani and little Ella joined us along with Ben and Teresa. We had a great time chatting and enjoying some dinner and cake together. The guys had their "band" talk and we girls talked about...........you know, whatever we talk about! It was a lot of fun and always is good to see and spend time with our friends. Noel and Sydney had a good time trying to keep us all entertained with their jokes and dances. Happy Birthday Daddy! Will it be a tattoo or an iPhone?

County Fair

Yee-Haw for family day at the Clark County Fair!
Noel volunteered to perform in a "pretend" circus where she dressed up as a snow leopard and acted out a part with other animals on the kids stage. We enjoyed deep-fried cookie dough (don't think I'd get that again) after lunch before heading off to the Rides. We went all out with the 80 ticket package ($$$$) and the girls got to ride a good amount of the rides. I of course had to go on several of them with Noel because........well.........she couldn't just go alone! It's a mother's duty right? Let's see.......we went on the little swings, the train, the fun house, the shrek adventure obstacle course and slide, the big slide, the roller coaster, the mini pirate ship and the broken airplanes. It was a lot of fun........so much so that the girls were both crying and whining when we had to leave........we were literally dragging them to the car. They gave up pretty easy though. All in all...........it was a blast!