This shadow not only amazed me but inspired me! I'm going to paint a mural on our neighbor's garage, which is the backdrop for our swing. It is a blank, barren space that is screaming for some action!

Long time gone....

So, here are a few semi-recent photos of the kids. It's been a while, but life takes charge sometimes and time flies!!

iGoogle

This is a test blog post, which I am creating from my new iBlogger page. I wish I could add photos from iGoogle...but I can't figure out that task yet. Maybe soon. Here's to finding new tricks! Cheers.

Happy New Year

Welcome 2010! We started off the new year by participating in a "random act of kindness." We all helped rake our neighbor's yard while he and his wife are awaiting the selling of their house. They have been living in KY while their house sits empty here, waiting on that special buyer. Due to illness they are unable to come tend to the yard for the "curb appeal" that they need for home selling. We pitched in raking and bagging leaves from their 4 trees. The temperature was a whopping 14 degrees!
Then today, the second day back to school after the holiday break, we were lucky enough to get a few inches of snow! Snow day! No school; even for teachers (yay, me!). Unfortunately the snow is too fluffy for snowman building, but it was perfect for running around and sipping hot chocolate afterwards! Happy day to you!

Christmas 2009

Christmas time...a time for giving and being with family. Celia really didn't know where all those presents came from and Samuel is still holding on for one last year; believing in Santa is tough for a middle schooler! . In the rush of the season it is nice to relax and enjoy time spent with each other, no matter how short. I wish more than anything that we could be with all of our family/friends and our thoughts turn to Germany, Wisconsin, Louisville, Charleston, Alexandria, Oregon, Rush, Ona and Catlettsburg where our family and loved friends spend their holiday season. We love you all, wherever you may be. Peace and love from us.

December 09

Almost another year gone. December has been hectic with the two snow storms, band concert, making christmas banners for church, passing around a nasty head cold, report cards, and just the usual holiday season of parties, eating, and visiting with friends.
Celia made her first snowman (actually she helped make two). She was thrilled and it really took me back to my youth as well as when Sam experienced his first snow man making. I can hardly believe he is coming up on his 12th birthday in January! Time certainly flies! He is doing very, very well in school; which we are all so proud of. He is keeping all A's and an occasional B or even one stinking C. Overall his G.P.A is high, so we are pleased, for we realize that middle school is such a stressful, transitional time. Sam just handles it all so well and is improving with his trumpet playing skills. He looked so handsome and so grown up for his band concert! It made my heart swell and brought tears to my eyes to watch my little boy be so independent.
I've been busily making bright red banners (4.5' x 5.5') for our church. I threw out the timing on my sewing machine, which forced me to borrow one. When it rains, it pours, but it really proves the power of friendship. The banners were finished yesterday and a huge weight is lifted from my shoulders. I will hopefully be able to get some photos during or before the Christmas Eve service and post them.
Every single one of us have passed around the sneezing, coughing, runny nose/congestion, but thankfully we have not had the dreaded flu. I think we have all had some version of the cold twice and I'm now on round 3. We are becoming used to hand sanitizer and puffs plus all over the house!
Here's to a happy, healthy, and exciting holiday season. Eat all you can, the new year resolutions begin soon!
Merriness!

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

During sunset....this is the same place where the blanket flower shot was taken. The light was incredible all the way through sunset. It was even lovely when the sun had gone to rest for the night. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is such a beautiful place!