September's 12 of 12...

 Once the older kids were off to school, Marco and I went on our nature walk.

 The day was much cooler than it had been lately. It was such a relief.  We had a great walk and saw lots of fun stuff that I will include in another post.  The greatest thing is the conversation. He makes me wonder and laugh so much. My boy is really observant and very honest with his words.

 This was the little lizard I caught for him. I had to catch a couple crickets later in the evening for it too.  He told me that the lizard can't camouflage that well because the wood is too "white".  I think he means light colored.  Anyway, I asked him where he learned about that and he said, "Diego". Wow!

 There was laundry to be washed and folded...shocker!

 Marco worked on counting and number recognition with this puzzle.

 Adding in some fine motor skills...

 He's been begging for one of these jaw breakers that we have from Cracker Barrel. I finally rewarded him with one (blue of course) and made him suck on it while I could watch him.  So that led to watching a video!

 He watched a 45 minute video on NOVA about monitor lizards.  We talked about reptiles and such because of the lizard we caught.  Well, a lot of it was scientific stuff that was way over his head (research and statistics) and I thought he'd be bored.  I asked if he wanted to change it and he was like No Way! haha.  I watched the video and folded laundry at the same time. Then a short video came on about amphibians and he continued to watch and ask a million questions.  I love it!

 The girls were picked up from school and the mail was picked up from the mail box.  I was excited to see that my ATC card swap had arrived!!  I will be sharing pictures of those in another post as well.

 Taryn's middle school works entirely off of laptops now.  She will be receiving a brand new Verizon student laptop of her own to use for the whole year.  My husband and I, along with Taryn, will be attending a training tonight about them before they give it to her.  Until then, she does her work on one of our oldies.  

 Big Marco and I headed out to do some grocery shopping for the week and the blue sky and scattered clouds were so beautiful.  I had to take a photo.  Of course, this photo doesn't even do it justice.

When we came out of the store, the sun was setting and this is what I was met with.  It was stunning.  When we got home, groceries were put away and the kids were winding down, getting their showers and preparing for bed.  We had a little "family meeting" with the two olders to talk about some things and just re-group and make sure that we are all on the same page about family, school, friends, expectations, goals, etc.  

I know that we may not have much in the eyes of this world, but we have each other and for that I am blessed beyond measure.

Matthew 6:21 ~ "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

August 12 of 12...already!!

The last 12 of 12 for the summer is here! It really snuck up on me. I am not ready for summer to be over. The family and I still have so much we want to do before school starts. *sigh*So my morning started around 7 a.m. I've been having trouble sleeping lately and haven't been getting to bed until about 2 a.m. Not good!

I got up and opened the front door to see if it was blazing hot yet. Not too bad. I noticed our neighbor's hydrangea flowers and had to take a shot!

That of course led me to this little guy. As most of you already know, my son loves finding snails, roly pollies, etc. He would have loved it at that moment because there were several snails out enjoying the morning dew.

I came back into the house and almost stepped on this little game. My son got $10 from somebody for his birthday and this is what he bought with it. It took him a really long time to pick out exactly what he wanted. So funny and sweet to watch a four year old try to spend a whole $10 on something.

So this is where you can find me first thing in the mornings - on most days anyway. I have a routine and I love it. I get up and get dressed. I come downstairs and let the dog out. I get the coffee started, clean out and re-fill the dog's water and food bowls and then bring the dog back in. I get my computer set up on Pandora - something quiet and instrumental, at first. Then I usually light some candles - I like the smell and the coziness of it - then grab my coffee. Finally, I am ready to settle in for some Bible study and prayer time. I usually follow a study that I find on-line and print out. No facebook or checking email, pinterest, etc. until I am done. I don't need anything that will sidetrack me from that time and believe me - I am easily sidetracked! haha! Then if the day is going well, I will be able to come back in for some creating fun.

Here's my little dog Oso. We've had him for almost 5 years. He's a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix. We all love him. He's so sweet and gentle.I

I got these plums at Costco and they are just perfect! Not too sweet and not too tart!

One of the first things Naomi thinks of in the morning is art. She's my little artist girl. Recently, my friend Angie gave Naomi her very own art box. In this picture she is taking her portable desk into my studio so that she can work on her art too. She worked on a "stained glass" paint kit today. It turned out really nice.

Here's my little guy (in my studio) with his super-hero action figures. =) I love when he plays quietly near me.

I tried to get a picture of my two older girls. Taryn got away, but my oldest, Hannah could not run. Haha! She did hide behind her most recent read though. She is reading Sarah's Key. She heard that there is a movie coming out too and is super excited about that!

It's always a good day if I can get my paints out and work in my art journal, or stamp, scrap, create...whatever. I have really been working on enjoying the PROCESS of creating something. Just another thing I am learning about enjoying the JOURNEY.

Here we are at Burt and Angie's house. This is where we have our Friday music/band practice. The really cool thing is that Angie has been cooking dinner for everybody. So thoughtful and fun, too. After we are done, the table gets cleared off and put out of the way and then the drums and guitars get set up. We usually aren't out of there until after 10 pm. So much fun with great friends.

Marco didn't stay for practice. He just dropped us off and then went back home to be with the younger kids. When he came back to pick us up, he spent a little bit of time with this guy on the couch. =) Meet Charlie. Now Marco is saying he wants a Basset Hound. haha. I think we'll just visit Charlie whenever he gets the Basset Hound blues!

Well, that's about it- pretty low-key. That's how I like it though. We are usually running around in so many directions. I don't mind a slow day here and there. Hope your day was well and that you are ready for the new school year!

You can join me on the 12th of each month to share a glimpse into your day by posting 12 pictures from your day too. If you do, let me know so that I can come take a peek!!

12 of 12...in April...

Today was a different day for sure. I was in Boise, Idaho when I woke up. I had gone on an unexpected trip to be with a friend that needed me. 1) It feels great to know you're needed. 2) I was thankful for my very understanding husband who agreed that I should go and for the way it worked out and was possible for me to fly there on a moments notice. =) I ended my 12th in my bed in California. I sat up in bed, did some reading, wrote in my journal and then checked on some of the blogs I follow. My friend and I were up until 4 a.m., so I thought that I should ease into the morning. I guess I could have technically began taking pictures around 1 a.m. eh? After a shower and getting ready, I brought my luggage up. Just one small suitcase and my computer bag. I pack very light and love being low maintenance when it comes to travel. This is Lily. She is Erin's 6 year old. Ready for ballet. So sweet. We haven't changed much since college...right? ;) We went to Cracker Barrel for lunch. It's one of my favorite places to eat, but we don't have any where I live. Lily was playing the peg game which made me miss my little ones who always loved playing whenever we were able to go to one. The food was comfort food in it's finest and the atmosphere reminded me of our college days. This is Erin and her husband Tim.

We were dropped off at the mall to pass some time before I had to leave for my flight. Pictured with us is Sean. He is their assistant pastor and works with their youth. He is authentically funny and incredibly gifted with the power of prayer. I was encouraged by his easy way of speaking to God.

Once we were in the mall, I made a bee-line for Borders book store. I wanted to pick up the book "Heaven is For Real". I love their gift section and was delighted to see their seasonal items.

Not a bad mall...for Boise. haha ;)

My plane was delayed and I ended up spending three hours at the airport...waiting for my flight. I decided to get a bite to eat. This sandwich was incredible. Grilled chicken with brie, grilled veggies, mmmm. Yeah, I didn't mind the wait and a chance to read and relax.

Southwest Airlines. 4 different flights round-trip. No complaints from me.

This was taken in Oakland, California. I had a 45 minute wait and then flew in to Ontario. I wanted to take a picture when I got home or whatever - but I was done. I still have that ridiculous cold with the horrible cough and I've just had enough. What a day. Long and full spent with old friends, new friends and my family. Did I mention that I feel super blessed? I do.

February's 12 of 12

Just a typical Saturday morning...dancing around in her tutu. =)

I LOVE it when he sits with his legs crossed like this, totally relaxed and into his book. This one is about insects. What a surprise. lol

Lots and lots of tulle laid out in preparation for our Valentine's Banquet at church. This is basically all I'm doing today...so you'll see more pictures of the preparations...

These are the centerpieces in the making. They will be filled with colored water, but instead of the giant flower in the picture, my friend Angie is going to MAKE 10 beautiful hand-made flowers. I will definitely be posting pictures of those later! These are just simple X's and O's cut out with the Cricut and then added to ribbon.

My daughter, Hannah, helped me with painting these for our favor bags. They will be filled with Hershey's hugs and kisses. Cute right?

Just having some fun while the watercolors were out. We all got a little face paint. I even donned a moustache...lol Unfortunately there is not a picture of that. =D

Marco had to ask his sister for a spider when he saw that Naomi got a butterfly. At one point, I looked up to see my 15 year old Hannah with her face painted to look quite like Frida Kahlo.
Silly girl. Of course she would not allow me to photograph her that way...but I did try!!

Daddy came home with some $5 pizzas and yummy burritos. I totally appreciated the fact that he knew I was knee-deep in banquet prep and didn't expect me to stop and cook. =)

Here are my two youngest girls with their own paints and spending the day with me while I work. I love that all of my children are very expressive and unique in their art. They love to create - even my three year old loves it.

This is a picture of over 50 journals my friends and I made. We each had a little part in the simple journals and made them "assembly line" style. The papers were sewn into the heavy cardstock and a heart die was added (cut with the Cricut) that was stamped and heat embossed. These will also be given to the ladies at the banquet. I will post other pictures of these later as well.

These are simple photo holders that I made with binder clips. I requested that all the couples give me a picture from their wedding day and I copied them and printed them out in a wallet size. These will be displayed on the table and the couple can take it home afterwards.

So, it was getting very late and I was just spent. I've had a lot on my mind besides the banquet. I have learned of several friends lately that are battling cancer or some serious hardships. My heart has been heavy for them. It was also my mother's birthday yesterday and I miss her terribly. Anyway, I thought I'd peek in on my facebook before I went to bed to see if I had a reply to a message I sent someone. This is what I found. About 6 "pokes" from friends, former students, etc. You know, I don't really get the point of these "pokes" and it was kind of annoying that I'd have them "cluttering" up my side-bar - but now I look at it and smile because it means that these people are thinking of me. Sometimes I will let them sit there for a bit and I will smile knowing that they can't "poke" me again until I delete them or poke them back. lol

I just know that I am very blessed. I know that I can not fix anybody's problems, but I can pray for them, send them my best wishes, listen to them and encourage them. I am looking forward to a wonderful Sunday - I know that I'm always uplifted there.

Happy 12 of 12! If you also participate in 12 of 12, leave me your link. I'd love to see what you were up to as well! =)

January's 12of12

So my 12 of 12 started BEFORE I even went to sleep on 1.11.11. I was working on some magnets for a Yahoo swap group and I realised that I was already onto the 12th! Time to go to bed!

Here's my Hannah girl. Getting ready for school. Actually cooperative - knowing it must be the 12th since I've got my camera out before I've even brewed any coffee. haha.

After the girls were off to school, I gave Marco the little mailbox that I made for him. I make and sell these on etsy and I also do affirmation and encouragement boxes that contain verses, quotes, etc. for any ocassion. He watches me make these and send them off and has always wanted one of his own. I think he liked, don't you? =)

I had to go to Naomi and Taryn's school real quick, so I decided to grab a quick self-portrait. I really don't have much practice taking my own picture - especially in the mirror - so it ended up not being as quick as I thought. I finally settled on one that I thought captured my likeness without too much glare from the flash... Hello - good to meet you!

When I got to the school, I noticed that the flags were flying half-staff honoring the victims of the Tragedy in Tucson, Arizona.

When I got home, I decided to work in my studio and I finally tried out some of these vintage fountain pens that I got from my great-grandmother. The one in the middle actually was made in the 1800's. They still work great with my India Ink. Knowing that my great-great grandparents used these items make them special treasures.

Here's my Naomi who's enjoying some mac n' cheese.

Wednesday means that it's Inspiration Wednesday with Donna Downey. I look forward these videos every week and today was no exception. I just love watching the process. I wish more artists would do this with their art journaling. It just gives me a sense of affirmation, I guess, to see how they work through a piece.

I was getting ready to make zucchini boats, but went ahead and tried it "lasagna" style by slicing the zucchini instead of loading them individually. It was a great hit. If you're looking for an easy, inexpensive, low-carb meal - this is the way to go. Oh, and ALL of the kids loved it.

Here's Taryn taking a little break before we had to go to our mid-week church service.

Here's where we have church. We have been renting this building from a Seventh Day Adventist church and it's worked out great since we don't have our church services on the same day. I love our congregation (the people) and that is what the church is. THE PEOPLE Not perfect, many short-comings - but real!! I love each and every one of them. Isn't the arch shaped building cool? =)

I have a goal of drinking plenty of water. At least three 16 oz. glasses. It was almost time for bed and I had fallen short. I decided to go ahead and drink my water. Even if it meant that I'd probably have to get up at least once to use the restroom in the middle of the night. lol I tend to get busy and not drink enough of anything during the day. I am probably borderline dehydrated all the time.

Well, that was pretty much my day. As always, I hope you will join in on this fun way of recording your day each month in 12 shots.
If you participate in 12of12, let me know and leave a link so I can see your day as well!