Two Years Old!

Look who's TWO!!!  As of the 22nd anyway.  We celebrated a little early this year since the MB and Papa were leaving town on that day.  

Tee Pee

I couldn't think of an appropriate title so I went with the boring one.  Oh well.  I can't be witty ALL the time.

Last week The Man and I went out to buy this years Christmas tree ornaments.  So naturally we came back with a teepee tent for The Kid.

Holiday Craft Minute

Two blogs in one day?! you say?  Yes!  If I don't do it now it may never happen.  So here goes...

Decembering

Doesn't matter where we are...the Kid will find a puddle (or bucket) of water somewhere.

Okay, so technically it was still November (the 29th to be exact) when I took these pictures.  (And on the iPhone...sorry).  But still!  It's FOR December.  I'm super excited for Christmas.  On with the traditions!!  

Blessingness

Sunday (Nov. 25th) The Man blessed our Little Miss.  The Pilot and Papa and a family friend joined in too.  It was a sweet little blessing and we enjoyed a nice dinner with our friends later on that evening.  (The Pilot had to catch a flight so he wasn't there).

Thanksgiving 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!!!  We spent Turkey Day at the cabin with Omi and Papa, my little brother The Pilot and of course our ever-growing gang.

All is Bright

It's that time of year.  Or getting close anyway.  The Man expressed interest in sending out Christmas cards this year.  Oy.  Okay.

Happy Halloween!

One of my most favorite times of year!  I'd say THE most favorite but it seems wrong to favor a Pagan holiday from a Christian holiday.  So Christmas first, and THEN Halloween.  Actually, it runs a very close second.

The Fun has Arrived!

Here she is!  Our 'Little Miss' was born September 17th weighing in at a very dainty 6 pounds 6 ounces and petite 19 inches.  (With a not so demure howl of protest upon entry).  

Lady in Waiting

Mock patience

And waiting...and waiting...BUT, only 3 more days!!!  It's been a long 9 months.  An even longer last month because of the heat wave.  I think I'm supposed to be learning something from this trial.  

Labor Day Shenanegans

Happy Labor Day!  You know what time of year that is right?  Right?  An age-old family tradition...Still don't know?  

Art Class: Klimt's Tree of Life

Again, I had to steal some ideas from this blog.  Last week we didn't have class.  I'm never sure if we're having class sometimes so I had to come up with something quick.  I don't like doing that, I don't feel prepared!

World of Color

We tried something new today!  Yay for breaking the monotony! I can't really take credit for any epiphany you may think I had.  All hail to Pinterest!

Art Class: Les Poisson

Here we are again.  Art Class Monday.  The more we do these the more I'm thinking I really don't know what I'm doing.  But as long as I'm the only one that thinks that then we're doing good.

Bits of England

Meet Wenlock and Mandeville

The Parentals have some old chaps from the U.K. visiting for their summer holidays.  (And I'm going to have a hard time not using some English colloquialisms in this post).

A Few Girly Things

Kind of a scary picture to 'open' with, but I couldn't help myself.  

I don't know what it is about having babies, but, I can't seem to get into the whole 'clothes buying' thing until just before delivery.  Maybe I am superstitious.  Or in denial.  It's kind of an unsettling anticipation.  Exciting, but, unsettling.  Can I do this again?  Have I really thought about the significance of bringing another human being into the world enough?  What do I do with a girl?  Etc. Etc.

Art Class: Learning from the Masters (cont'd)

Art Class Monday.  I only had one student yesterday, so this is her finished project.  I'm actually quite proud of Lady J.  She did a great job mixing her colors and even her proportions were done well.  Considering they weren't allowed to trace everything.  It all had to be done by eye.

Art Class: Learning from the Masters

There's something about mixed paints that I just find really yummy.  Had to share.  

Monday was a more in-depth exploration into the wonderful world of color-mixing.  The girls were only allowed to use Red, Yellow, Blue, Black and White for their assignment.  Which was to pick an image from an old book I had and use it to re-create it.  Here are the (unfinished) results.

Park Hoppers

Saturday we ventured out to Arroyo Verde park.  Hadn't been there for awhile.  It's a huge park with sprawling lawns, big trees, trails, picnic tables and playgrounds.

Usually it's such a big park that when you go you feel like you've got the place to yourself.  Unfortunately everybody else seemed to want to go too.  Tons of people having parties, etc.  But we found a little patch of grass to call our own for a few minutes, so it wasn't so bad.

Art Class: Color Wheels

Yes.  I'm still doing art classes.  Sort of.  There was a two month-ish hiatus.  Summer holidays for the kids so things are a little relaxed.  

Solvang

Look!  Solvang!  We actually went somewhere this weekend!  And I'm so glad we did.  It was a quick little trip.  (Mostly because of 'The Kid'.  My plan didn't work).

Independence Day

The Hot-Dog Man

Yesterday marked a great 4th of July celebration.  More like smorgasbord.  Our friends, the Jenkins, invited us over for a fun-filled afternoon of friends, food, fun and lots of kids.  It was great and even 'The Kid' was somewhat manageable.  (Unlike last time we were there and 'The Man' had to take him home early). 

Happy Things

Saturday marked a very special occasion.  Some family friends invited us to join in the 100th birthday celebration of Norma Jenkins.  She is proof that you can do anything you set your heart out to do.  An accomplished painter and writer/author, Norma has truly set the example of making the most out of life.  Happy 100th Norma!

Father's Day 2012

Sunday was a blissfully low-key Father's Day.  Well, as low-key as it can be with a house full of family.  But that's the way it's supposed to be right?  

Pinterest Goals

For those of you who are not familiar with the site Pinterest you really should check it out.  But I warn you...it's a major time suck.  Use with caution.

On the flip side, it has provided me with a place to store and find ideas.  Some really good ideas.  And motivation for me to get things done.  Here's a run-down of a few of my 'Pinterest' goals.  

The Cars

I love Saturday morning donut runs to Rolling Pin.  It makes having to get up early worth it.  Even more so when you score a 'new' car for your kid at a friends garage sale.  $5 dollars well spent.  'The Kid' is in love.

The Fix

As in, The Chocolate Fix.  Sometimes all a girl wants is chocolate.

Life, As It Happens....

It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of a great bowl.  RIP 6.2.2012

Welcome June!

The amazing weightless turtle!

I feel like it's officially summer when June 1 hits.  But I think, according to the solstice, it's not until the 22nd or something.  But who cares!  I'm crossing my fingers for no June-Gloom bidness.  Although summer won't be terribly exciting while I'm GINORMOUSLY pregnant.  I can't bring myself to buy a maternity swimsuit either.  Sigh.

Memorial Weekend 2012

Any guess from the above picture how our Memorial Weekend has gone?  I'll give you hint...it included nasal drip.  

Pink vs. Pink

If you haven't gathered from the title, the answer is, yes.  We are having a girl.  Or judging from the above picture an IT.  Or thing!  Or Alien from Mars!  Okay, okay...it's our precious little baby GIRL.  She's just in the 'awkward' stage right now.  But we love her anyway!  Even if she's costing us an arm and a leg.  Oy!  These things don't come cheap!

Art Class

Finally!  Another art class.  It's been awhile.  Longer than I would've liked.  Oh well.  Such is life.  And trying to work out 5 different peoples schedules.  Above is Lady S's handy-work.  And a bonus cartoon just for kicks.  

Mother's Day 2012

So the first thing that went through my mind just now as an 'opener' was Christmas song lyrics 'it's the most wonderful time of the year'...

Sisters Weekend

Another impromptu trip!  I went to see family.  Again.

My sister was planning a 'Sisters Weekend' retreat...thing.  She asked if I could be there.  Initially I thought 'no'.  For cost reasons.  And I was just there.  But then I got a $100 check card from our Hawaii trip.  So I immediately went to Southwest.com and booked a flight.  My other reason for going was because I most likely won't be going to the family reunion in August since I'll be GINORMOUS-pregnant.

So here's how it went down.  In picture.

P.S.  I was using my iPhone.  Sorry for the picture quality.

Ride On, Dude!

'The Kid' got his first 'bike' today!  I've been thinking it was time for awhile, and sort of half-heartedly looking on-line for a cool 'bike'.  Actually, the kids this size it's called a Ride On.  Once I figured that out, google results were a lot closer to what I was looking for.

The Kid

Today was a good day.  As far as minimal tantrums go, we had an altogether happy day.  This little guy has got a temper!  I have no idea where he got that from.

We experienced a number of new things this afternoon.  Well, two that stand out anyway.

Popcorn Popping

The dreaded popcorn ceiling!!!  

I've been itching to get my hands on the MB's kitchen for awhile now.  I suppose I can thank the pregnancy for the increase in nesting urges, I attacked the ceiling yesterday.  Here's the low-down:

Monday, Monday

Nothing too newsworthy.  Wait a minute.  Yes it is!  I had a picture sort-of professionally framed!  I suppose I shouldn't get too excited about it.  It cost me about the same as a not-on-sale maternity outfit.  And I could use a new dress and pants.

But!

This item has been rolled up in plastic since we got it.  Collecting dust between the armoire and wall.  And since we have no house payments to worry about at the moment, now is the time to get it done.  (I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad about that).

So here she is!

I came in with a 60% off framing coupon.  I was going to have it matted as well.  Which would have put me somewhere in the range of $400.  Yes.  You read that correctly.  Holy Scalping!  This is in pesos right??  Don't get me wrong I LOVE Tim Burton but not THAT much!  I was choking when I told the guy 'okay' to charge me.  (But he was so good to me!)

First he talked me out of the matt, which apparently is what bumps up the cost to astronomical heights.  For this print anyway since it was a non-standard size.  Of course it had to be mine.  Pftht.  So without the matt it bumped me down by a couple hundred.  (I had no idea matts were so expensive...I would've guessed the frame).  AND he also 'highly' recommended having me get the non-glare glass.  Which, naturally, was more expensive.  I think by then I was starting to back away slowly.  He probably saw the scared rabbit look, so he said he'd charge me for the regular glass but put in the non-glare.  Sold!  Though I still feel like I got took.  Because it's Michael's and they would SO do that.

Moral of the story...uh...let your prints stay behind the furniture and collect dust.

Really though, I'm happy to have this on the wall.  In 'The Kid's' room.  It's a little weird because, well...it's Tim Burton.  I'm hoping it sends off Good Karma Burton vibes and not the other kind.  Then again, maybe it's so funky-weird it'll help him memorize his numbers faster.  :)

And since we're on the subject.  I thought I'd add a picture of the one that's in Lady Chan and The Man's room.  This one speaks to me.  

Lady Chan

Art Class

Art Class Monday!!  Which was held on Tuesday...again.  Whatever.  I only had two students yesterday.

We worked on Triangulation.  I think it went over their heads.  But the more sketches they made the better they got so there's hope!

I had them start with just sketching their hands.  Then had them try sketching portraits of their class-mate.    This they find VERY funny.  I'm glad they're having fun though.

We also sketched our dear Rooster.  Which Lady E declared needed a name since we draw him so much.  Lady J christened him Roger, so there we are.  Roger it is.  He gets a lot of face time in our class.  

Having this class has been an adventure for us all.  I hope we can continue until we all get the hang of what we're doing.  Me for materials and technique and them for drawing, etc.

Until Next!

Easter Weekend

Our weird Easter family picture...it's the best we could manage in a hurry

What a gorgeous weekend to have Easter!  Lady Chan LOVES the sunshine soooo much!!! (Not that you could tell from her glowing hue).

We didn't do much Friday.  In fact, I can't even remember Friday even happening.  Mostly trying to recover from a long and tiring week.  'The Man' had a lot of work things going on and Lady Chan was dealing with a cranky sick kid.  (He has two more molars coming in so maybe that had something to do with it).

So!  The Kid' (and us) were rested up.  Saturday came around and we're ready for life.  It was warm enough for us to purchase a kiddie pool/thingy for 'The Kid'.  Sometimes this parenting thing can be so fun!!!

 I always forget how great Easter is until it arrives.  Everything is green and fresh and the roses!  Lady Chan loves roses.  I even have a sort-of soft spot for the ugly ceramic easter dishes the MB brings out.  And let's not forget chocolate bunnies and mini eggs from See's...Not that much of that has ANYTHING to do with the true reason for Easter.  But, it's a nice bonus.

What's Easter without an outfit?  

And for the crowning moment....Chocolate Mousse!  Yes, I actually made an effort in the kitchen Sunday.  Even with the MB's saying how hard it was to make, blah blah blah.  But I did it AND it was good.  So put that in your book!

Actually the recipe was super easy.  I got it here.  I doubled the recipe since the serving is for two.  (Who makes a serving of chocolate mousse just for two?!)